FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 13202 times:
The E135 and the towers of Bologna
Ciao, dear readers,
the slim Embraer 135 is a not that common plane here in Europe. Only a small number of airlines operate that type.
What to do with an open inbound to VCE?.
Maybe a landside connection to BLQ, a view to that medieval towers and flying out on the E-Jet?.
No more time needed when I see that BLQ is also a new departure airport.
I´am on the way for some more flying out of STR.
And no, SXB like the latest experience, is for sure not on the map today!.
Sunday, 06.03.2011
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Service AF 2509 operated by Air France
Scheduled: 07.25 // 08.45
Well, it seems, I´am really more and more the expert for the short nights.
The family decides for a couple of days on skies in Austria,
back home from the shuttle after dinner at the hotel at 01.00 am, Sunday morning.
A leisurely late start at 04.30 am, so some long 3 hours, 30 minutes to sleep that night.
The first two legs of the day are the return from late last years VCE-CDG-STR on AF, rebooked by Exp.de from the originally booked and further on cancelled flights on OK.
The fare this way is 40.00 Euro´s for the first leg.
OLCI via KL´s website works quick and easy, leg one and two checked in within a minute.
Leaving my home office at 05.30 am and at the airport perfectly as scheduled at 06.30 am.
Close to no traffic that Sunday morning
and no bad sign for my flight from gate 310
No time to wait at security.
Boarding 07.00 am, time to hit AF´s STR lounge.
Interesting to notice that Diners Club is now also here at STR in cooperation with the "Elly Beinhorn" lounge
Coffee and cookies on offer
Comfortable seaters here
Only a very low number of customers this morning at this small place
Anyone in immediate need to go for "FlyingFinn" country?
Preparations around my nightstopping machine
It´s F-GFKZ, an early Airbus A320 example,
first in service with AF from 05.03.1992, leased out to Vietnam Airlines at 26.02.1994 and back with AF at 01.03.1996.
Leg no. 72 on type and a new registration for the log.
One of 55 machines in the actual fleet.
The french captain is on the mike with a short welcome during boarding, we see a short delay due to late baggage loading, but nothing serious.
No further comment, route or flightlevel informations.
The A320 as scheduled
It´s 07.40 am, 15 minutes late, when we leave my homebase during a cold morning, light fog and - 3 degrees. One hour for CDG.
The cabin ceiling with a partial view to the oldfashioned, but nevertheless comfortable dark blue fabric seats, the cabin is clean so far
Legroom is acceptable here. 29F, the last row window, recline is ok, the aisle seat is taken, but thankfully, the middle seat remains open
Two male, two female FA´s today, all french and nothing special.
Service is coffee and a brioche for free.
Just departed from 07, with a sharp circle above the airfield
The load is 90%, mostly leisure travellers today.
Touchdown on the 2700 meters runway 08R, it´s 08.45 am,
ontime, clear sky and +1 degree´s.
A gate position at, big surprise, T2F today.
STR flights running usually in and out T2D, that´s also printed on the paper, imagine the confusion around the non frequent CDG travellers.
Sure ok for me today with the next flight on departure from exactly the same place, no extra security this way
Company machines closeby
Sunday, 06.03.2011
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Service AF 1426 operated by Air France
Scheduled: 09.55 // 11.35
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The fare is again 40.00 Euro´s.
What about my flight to VCE?.
Expected on time from F30, for sure ok for me
Well, let´s go for another cup of coffee with the next AF lounge.
More details on offer than at STR
It is located downstairs from the standard gates with nice views to the apron action
Upstairs again for a view to the big screen, a nice feature
and also the weather forecast looks like welcoming
Lucky me, the plane beside my inbound gate is on the way to VCE.
It´s F-GFKM, leg no. 73 on type, the second new registration today.
Talking about that early A320 example on the previous flight, now that´s the really early example, in service with AF since 23.03.1990 and there are three older machines only in the fleet
Nose close up
The cabin ceiling, the same seats here, old school dark blue fabric, clean so far.
No need to search for my seat, 29F, the last row window, this time all seats are taken, partial recline only here on this bird
And as scheduled, one more A320 for me, the load is very close to 100%, again mostly leisure travellers on the way
Cabin crew is all nice this time, three male and one female, all french.
The also french pilot with a short and nice welcome during boarding.
The temperature is still + 1 degrees, clear sky, when we leave CDG again from the 4215 meters runway 08L at 10.00 am, close to ontime, for the 1 hour 15 minutes to VCE.
Legroom is also sufficient
Service is cookies and coffee for free.
Cruising along the alps
Is this the adriatic sea?.
No way, it´s the "Lago di Garda", looks like very nice from above
No more route or flightlevel details.
Water or land close to "Venise"
Well, it seems my seat decision is ok today
Venice, the magic city
The train tracks for "Venise Santa Lucia"
Waterways to the airport
Arrival at the 3300 meters runway 04R, the temperature is +7 degrees with sunny sky, i´ts 11.30 am, close to ontime.
Interesting visitors here
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 1, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 13224 times:
....................
Further on with the landside connection.
ATVO runs several bus services from VCE airport.
Stand 2 leads to Mestre train station, that´s the first station on mainland Italy after Venezia Santa Lucia.
The grumpy busdriver is not that really proud with his job today, but anyway the bus is only some minutes late and traffic is also here in Italy calm that late Sunday morning.
Now it´s 12.15 am when I´am at Mestre station with a thoudsand of people around, but mostly in the other direction, lot´s of confused tourists seeking for the right train to Venice.
I´am shocked, to say the least, with the huge line at the ticket counters.
The next "Frecciargento" high speed connection for Bologna-Centrale will leave at 12.39 am, enough time for me?.
The queue moves fast forward and so I´am ready ontime at the track to see my train coming in ontime.
29.00 Euro´s for this short ride, that´s the way how to make money
Only one stop at Padova till Bologna and the final call for this train is Roma Termini. With
nun´s from all nation´s on board that service, it feels much more that not Termini is the final target here.
This train run´s more likely direct to the Vaticano!.
A good hour later I´am at Bologna-Centrale for a view to these fantastic medieval city.
No need to stay inside during rainy weather
The city with the longest covered walkways all around
Ah, it looks like a tower down these alley
Entrance to the "Museo civico medievale"
Also with a covered walkway
The old town, no individual traffic allowed here
One more tower
This lools like pretty historic
Some more tall tower ahead
The Borsa, the place for biz since a long time ago
Churches and towers
Conservation works
Two towers behind these building
That thing looks really tall
Built some 300 years ago
The lower example
And both side by side
With the church in the background
No connection with Pisa here, surely not
ATC runs a frequently bus service to the airport from the main train station.
My way for the next part of the journey, after loosing some 6.00 Euro´s by joining the bus.
Sunday, 06.03.2011
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Service Alitalia AZ 7858 operated by Regional CAE
Scheduled: 17.55 // 19.10
OLCI Check-in for leg three and four is also done via KL´s website.
Strange, both flights are booked with AZ codes,
only leg three is checked in with AZ, leg four with the AF code.
More about it later on.
The fare here is 40.00 Euro´s per leg, booked as BLQ-LYS-STR-LYS-BLQ by Exp.de.
What about my flight, is it ontime?.
It seems so and I´am pretty early for the flight with some photo overviews around the airport. My flight will leave from gate 12
It doesn´t feels like a real modern terminal building, somewhat low and with that red colour not really with my personal liking
The newer terminal extension for the so called loco carriers
Which looks like ok and airy inside
The connecting part to the older terminal
Nothing much more to view outside, so time to go for security,
not a minute to wait there.
Eurofly on an IG flightcode bound for CTA
Airone Cityliner
"Segafredo Espresso", yes, that´s my place
Tail line up
Also airside not my fav place, cold and less comfortable metall seaters, lots of pax around and no lounge available
Should I fly these plane somedays
Looks like really cute
Some staff shortage here, so it seems.
Boarding is for around 15 minutes on the screen,
the gate phone rings and rings, should I pick it up?.
No agent to see at all.
Finally a pretty stressed middle aged female arrived and opened the door to the groundfloor stairs, bus boarding here we come.
That registration sounds somewhat well known.
F-GOHF, the scheduled Embraer 135, delivered at 19.12.2000 to Proteus Airlines and with Regional since
01.04.2001. One of only five active examples in the fleet
I´am in need for some pictures before the sun goes down
Welcome to my third ride on the E135, the second on this particular machine
All the bags loaded
The decals ready to leave
Finally boarding also for me
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 2, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 13214 times:
.................
Cockpit crew is from France, the pilot with a short nice welcome during boarding.
Leaving BLQ, I will be here again in two months, if nothing goes wrong
Just departed from the 2800 meters runway 12 at 06.00 pm,
close to ontime, clear sky and 14 degrees, what a nice Sunday till now. With another sharp curving directly above the airport, 55 minutes till LYS
The very well used safety card
The narrow cabin, pictured from my seat 14A, the last row window, well one for me, no recline here.
Dark blue leather seats, clean, the legroom is ok.
Load is 100%.
One french middle aged female FA in service, ok so far
Me and the engine
Legroom and comfort is quite good here
Along the coastline with the sun going down
Cabin view, service is cookies and coffee again
Snowy peaks down there. The pilot is on the mike again with short informations prior to decent, no route or flightlevel information
Touchdown at the 2670 meters runway 36R, it´s 06.55 pm,
15 minutes ahead to schedule, some mist coming in and the temperature is 8 degrees.
Bye bye, F-GOHF, have a good rest here at LYS
In the well shaped terminal for the regional operations.
Hey, that´s a joke especially for me, i´snt it?.
I should close my eyes, shake my head, open it again
but nevertheless see this on the screen
It´s 7.00 pm, Sunday evening, I´am in LYS. Monday morning 05.50 am is the departure time for the next flight from STR.
A quick look around and walk to the main terminal building for the AF service desk where at first no agent is placed.
"I can´t do anything for you here, you should go out to the check in desks" is the answer to my question, immediatelly after an elderly female arrived.
A very nice female security staff agent let me pass the screening area from the wrong side, which for sure, isn´t the norm here and a couple of minutes later I´am out, checking my options mentally.
And there is only one really doable option, joining the SXB service as there are seats available and rent a car there for the way to STR.
Strange situation here,
separate Check-in desks for AF by Britair services and also AF by Regional flights.
A long line at Regional, which should operate my flight and no one at the Gold Elite Britair counter, which runs the flight to SXB.
A nice male agent there. "Yes, I know about the cancelled service, but it´s Regional´s fault, so I can´t do anything for you here".
Finally he called someone else and send me directly to one of Regional´s Check-in desks for special services where also two or three other people waited, so it seems fellow STR bound travellers.
The agent there is really stressed,
calling and talking, till a view for his customers.
Two business type looking french males infront.
"We want to stay in a hotel here and fly on the first run tomorrow morning to STR".
"Sorry, that´s not possible, the flight is fully booked.
There are some seats available on the SXB service, we will arrange the transfer for STR for you".
"No way, that´s not acceptable for us".
The time is running!.
Well, me as the smart guy you know, throwing my passport and boarding pass on the desk.
"As long as you find a way for SXB-STR for me tonight, I will take this seat as long as there is one available."
The agent stopped talking, picked my belongings and started typing.
"There is a taxi for you prepared at SXB to drive you ASAP
to STR".
Well, you know what happens, the two and also another young male behind showing they´re passports for the last available seats.
Sunday, 06.03.2011
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Service Air France AF 5782 operated by Britair
Scheduled: 19.55 // 20.55
Some minutes at security, where a middle aged french male want to cut the queues. "My flight is cancelled and I need to hurry for the rebooked service".
Well, some five to ten other pax showed him they´re SXB boarding passes, so he calmed down and lined in.
In the gate area again with a good number of non amused original SXB pax at the gate. The flight is running late from gate 21C, due to the ongoing rebookings
No lounge visit possible due to the hassles around the rebooking.
Finally boarding is called and what we see on the apron?
The CR-K, leg no. two for me, absolutely unexpected
The french pilot is on the mike during boarding,
we see a delay due to the late arrival from the aircrafts inbound flight.
Sure, you know, but I know it better this time.
He told the other pax the truth later on,
serious baggage problems due to the rebookings,
bags loaded and completely offloaded again.
Two french female FA´s here, the nice elderly purser and one middle aged ok style.
Service is free coffee and cookies.
No route or flightlevel information.
Aisle view from 10D, the window is also taken, the load is 100%
It´s finally 08.50 pm, close to an hour late, with more fog and 6 degrees when we leave LYS for the 50 minutes to SXB.
We´re doing a short cut and don´t use the full 4000 meters runway 36L.
It seems the pilots want to do the ride as short as possible.
The safety card, the cabin is fitted with the bright grey leather seats, clean and good legroom
Touchdown on the 2400 meters runway 05, it´s 9.35 pm, 40 minutes late, it seems a recordwise flighttime and, shudder, the temperature is zero degrees, but clear sky.
Apron disembarking at SXB.
A short chat with the pilot at the cockpit door. "That seems a very fast ride tonight". "Yes, we do our very best, as always, but
especially today"
The registration wasn´t possible to spot at LYS, so a last chance here.
It´s F-HMLE, in service with Britair since 26.02.2011 only,
one of actual six machines in the fleet and leg. no 2 for me on this bird
"STR pax should go to the SXB infodesk",
was the information from the purser during disembarking.
Well, now that´s me joining the non amused party.
"There is no taxi for you, it´s a bus waiting outside which we hired on very short notice, that´s everything what we can do for you"
Well, two hours on the motorway, scheduled arrival 09.00 pm.
Late night check-in for Monday´s first flight is open till 09.00 pm.
Actual arrival 12.00 pm, three hours late, no more chance for check-in and that means also I should be here again at 03.30 am.
Back home and after the usual preparations for next days flying in bed at 01.45 am, the cell phone alarm is set for 02.30 am, well, now that´s my final short night exam ahead.
Tomorrow, sorry, in a couple of hours, will see me southwestern bound again.
A bit further southwestern than the actual run:
"Master of the short nights or
AnadoluJet and Ankara´s new terminal",
no chance to miss that experience.
AF mainline is ok, ontime and acceptable.
Regional and the E135, nice staff and a comfortable plane,
not more to say about the last leg.
BLQ is not my place, oldfashioned, somewhat less comfortable, some updates needed there.
What about Facebook
"Markus Klaus Felger",
that´s me.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 3, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 13132 times:
Hi Markus,
interesting report about your latest AF short-haul mission. Bad to hear about the cancellation, but at least you didn't have to spend the night there. I still need to get on that ERJ-135 one day.
NQYGuy From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 4, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 13055 times:
Wow, seemed like an eventful day for you Markus. Definitely a horrible feeling when you see cancelled on the boards- having said that, always good when you're rebooked onto something unexpected! Thanks for sharing your day and look forward to seeing the remainder of your next day, if you weren't too tired.
interesting report about your latest AF short-haul mission. Bad to hear about the cancellation, but at least you didn't have to spend the night there. I still need to get on that ERJ-135 one day.
Thank you and definitely not the best feeling with that cancelled flight on the board.
Regional is scaling down the E135 operations, so not that long to go for it.
@NQYGuy:
Quoting NQYGuy (Reply 4): Wow, seemed like an eventful day for you Markus. Definitely a horrible feeling when you see cancelled on the boards- having said that, always good when you're rebooked onto something unexpected!
Thank you and it works in the end, but very tight, you know.
Quoting NQYGuy (Reply 4): Thanks for sharing your day and look forward to seeing the remainder of your next day, if you weren't too tired.
luxair747SP From Germany, joined May 2010, 444 posts, RR: 18 Reply 6, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 12982 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW FORUM MODERATOR
Hi Markus,
thank you for this AF TR.
The service on all flights looked acceptable and I think, the 3 hours delay are worth a trip on an CRK, so I would not have minded too much.
The Bologna City centre also looks like a nice destination for a day trip.
Thank you a lot for sharing
Johannes
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 7, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 12890 times:
Hi, Johannes,
Quoting luxair747SP (Reply 6): thank you for this AF TR.
The service on all flights looked acceptable and I think, the 3 hours delay are worth a trip on an CRK, so I would not have minded too much.
Thank you and indeed, in the end it was ok the catch the next CR-K ride.
Quoting luxair747SP (Reply 6): The Bologna City centre also looks like a nice destination for a day trip.
aerobus12 From Norway, joined Oct 2010, 50 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 12806 times:
Thank you Markus, as always a great and interesting TR! I wonder what has happened to the AF SH catering? Last February I flew AF from CDG to OSL and was served a chicken caesar salad, fresh breadrolls and a slice of cake, while now it seems that they serve brioche and cookies?? Do you know what has happened?
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2333 posts, RR: 53 Reply 9, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 12280 times:
Hi Markus,
You have really outdone yourself with the beautiful covering of Bologna. Of course, you did a great job by securing two new registrations and being exemplary of your fellow passenger:
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): Well, me as the smart guy you know, throwing my passport and boarding pass on the desk.
"As long as you find a way for SXB-STR for me tonight, I will take this seat as long as there is one available."
The agent stopped talking, picked my belongings and started typing.
"There is a taxi for you prepared at SXB to drive you ASAP
to STR".
Well, you know what happens, the two and also another young male behind showing they´re passports for the last available seats.
And I am sure such behaviour would not come across your mind:
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): Some minutes at security, where a middle aged french male want to cut the queues. "My flight is cancelled and I need to hurry for the rebooked service".
Well, some five to ten other pax showed him they´re SXB boarding passes, so he calmed down and lined in.
Once again, I really like your story of Bologna. It is truly inspiring for me. Just look how you wonderfully emphasize the city highlights! Very well done!
Thank you so much for sharing and looking forward to your Ankara installment.
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 10, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 12239 times:
Hi, nice to see more comments.
@aerobus12:
Quoting aerobus12 (Reply 8): Thank you Markus, as always a great and interesting TR!
Thank you.
Quoting aerobus12 (Reply 8): I wonder what has happened to the AF SH catering? Last February I flew AF from CDG to OSL and was served a chicken caesar salad, fresh breadrolls and a slice of cake, while now it seems that they serve brioche and cookies?? Do you know what has happened?
It´s a general scale down and also depends on the routes, so CDG-OSL is a route with better service,
the shorter regional routes dont need more, so it seems.
You have really outdone yourself with the beautiful covering of Bologna. Of course, you did a great job by securing two new registrations and being exemplary of your fellow passenger:
Thank you and just the way to catch the counting minutes for the flight to SXB.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 9):
And I am sure such behaviour would not come across your mind:
Once again, I really like your story of Bologna. It is truly inspiring for me. Just look how you wonderfully emphasize the city highlights! Very well done!
Thank you so much for sharing and looking forward to your Ankara installment.
Thanx again and the Ankara story and pictures are coming up soon.
oa260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24889 posts, RR: 60 Reply 11, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 12157 times:
Hey Markus ,
What an eventful trip ! You made it in the end thats the important thing. You know I dont ever think I saw an E135 before. Thanks for the report looks like a nice A/C. Also I like the interior of the CRJ its looks very modern and bright.
Looking forward to the next story.
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4915 posts, RR: 55 Reply 12, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 21 hours ago) and read 12147 times:
Markus - do you ever stay at home? Just curious!
You know - I have never been to Flughafen Stuttgart, but I have a feeling if I do end up going there, I will immediately think of you looking at that blue FIDS screen that has become so customary in your reports.
Thanks again for taking us with you on this European jaunt.
Palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 20 Reply 13, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 12089 times:
Hi Markus - a great report and pics. Yes, the EM135 is certainly quite rare in these parts. Glad you got to add another to your log. I really enjoyed your pics of Bologna as well. Awaiting the next report ! Cheers Palmjet
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 14, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 12064 times:
Hi, nice to see more comments.
@Phil:
Quoting oa260 (Reply 11):
What an eventful trip ! You made it in the end thats the important thing.
Thank you and exactly my opinion while riding the bus trough the night.
Quoting oa260 (Reply 11): You know I dont ever think I saw an E135 before. Thanks for the report looks like a nice A/C.
Cute and comfortable.
Quoting oa260 (Reply 11): Also I like the interior of the CRJ its looks very modern and bright.
Sure ok, another CR-K ride is still on schedule.
@Alex:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 12): Markus - do you ever stay at home? Just curious!
You know, from time to time!.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 12): You know - I have never been to Flughafen Stuttgart, but I have a feeling if I do end up going there, I will immediately think of you looking at that blue FIDS screen that has become so customary in your reports.
Let me know when it happens!.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 12):
Thanks again for taking us with you on this European jaunt.
Thank you.
@PJ:
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 13): Hi Markus - a great report and pics. Yes, the EM135 is certainly quite rare in these parts. Glad you got to add another to your log.
Thank you and exactly my opinion with the small E-Jet.
Quoting Palmjet (Reply 13): I really enjoyed your pics of Bologna as well. Awaiting the next report ! Cheers Palmjet
signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2948 posts, RR: 7 Reply 15, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 11987 times:
Hi Markus,
another good read about your travels! Shame there was no Spaghetti Bolognese in Bologna, but I assume the lounges provided enough food!
Always stressful if a flight is cancelled, especially with an early start the next day. Looks like AF did all they could to get you back to STR.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): Some minutes at security, where a middle aged french male want to cut the queues. "My flight is cancelled and I need to hurry for the rebooked service".
Well, some five to ten other pax showed him they´re SXB boarding passes, so he calmed down and lined in.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 16, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 3 days 2 hours ago) and read 11504 times:
Hello Markus,
Abandoning LH and going for AF now are you
Thanks for your report once again. A bit of a stressful experience it seems at the end, but it all turned out well. Well I guess that's all part of the game, sometimes things go wrong...
Good to read you enjoyed the E135. I have also flown this type and airline some years ago to LYS from BRU. I liked it too but I liked the return flight on a comparable jet, the CR2 more. Somehow it felt roomier inside, maybe something to do with the 2x1 E135 --- 2x2 CR2 seating?
Hopefully no cancellations on your next trip and good luck in trying to stay awake
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 17, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 11361 times:
You're lucky to have got good views on approach to VCE - such a beautiful sight from the plane! And your photos of Bologna are really nice - it's near the top of my (very long) to-do list. Very annoying that AF cancelled your STR flight - at least you got a seat to Strasbourg and a shuttle bus onwards.
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 41 Reply 18, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 11330 times:
Hi Markus,
Another nice report. You sure are sticking to the AF group nowadays, are you? Well, that's what frequent flyer programs are for, so I guess they are working...
Nice shots of Bologna, it's a very nice city. I like it much more than Rome or Milan!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): And no, SXB like the latest experience, is for sure not on the map today!.
Never say never!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): back home from the shuttle after dinner at the hotel at 01.00 am, Sunday morning.
A leisurely late start at 04.30 am, so some long 3 hours, 30 minutes to sleep that night.
Man, oh man, you just keep breaking your personal records, don't you?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Interesting to notice that Diners Club is now also here at STR in cooperation with the "Elly Beinhorn" lounge
Yeah, I noticed too that they have added a ton of lounges around Europe - very much appreciated by me of course!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Anyone in immediate need to go for "FlyingFinn" country?
Nice shot. Is that a mechanical or something? It doesn't appear in your FIDS shots and I don't think AY/FC do a nightstopper?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): A good hour later I´am at Bologna-Centrale for a view to these fantastic medieval city.
Oh yes, reminds me of my visit to Bologna a couple of years ago. That was actually the first trip report I ever wrote here!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): It doesn´t feels like a real modern terminal building, somewhat low and with that red colour not really with my personal liking
Well, "La grassa" isn't exactly alien to the color red - be it socialism or the red roofs of the old city! So it's only logical to feature it in the airport design as well.
Hey hey, I did that exact flight and carrier combination (albeit in the opposite direction) a year ago! One of the worst legrooms ever, let me tell you that!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Welcome to my third ride on the E135, the second on this particular machine
Was the toilet op this time?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): I should close my eyes, shake my head, open it again
but nevertheless see this on the screen
Oh dear, doesn't look too good does it? Just out of curiosity - if you didn't have more travel the next morning would you have accepted the rebooking on the morning flight (perhaps even via CDG for some more fun?) and a hotel room?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Back home and after the usual preparations for next days flying in bed at 01.45 am, the cell phone alarm is set for 02.30 am, well, now that´s my final short night exam ahead.
...you just keep getting crazier and crazier, you know?
CaptainRed From Germany, joined Oct 2010, 578 posts, RR: 19 Reply 19, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 11324 times:
Hi Markus,
looks like you had another interesting and adventurous day of flying, thanks for the report.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Upstairs again for a view to the big screen, a nice feature
and also the weather forecast looks like welcoming
I really like these screens with the flight info, at least something good in CDG. Nice pictures also from the approach to VCE, looks like you have chosen the right side, well done.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): A good hour later I´am at Bologna-Centrale for a view to these fantastic medieval city.
Never have been there, but the pictures do really look good. Seems to be a great place to spend a day. And you were also lucky with the weather.
That flight cancellation was certainly very annoying. At least you got an interesting alternative with the CRJ1000 again, but still. Did they give a reason for the cancellation?
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): A leisurely late start at 04.30 am, so some long 3 hours, 30 minutes to sleep that night.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Thread starter): Back home and after the usual preparations for next days flying in bed at 01.45 am, the cell phone alarm is set for 02.30 am, well, now that´s my final short night exam ahead.
Oh dear, that's tough. But that is what one got to do sometimes for some good travel experiences Hope you got a good seat on your next flight to catch some of the missing sleep.
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 20, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 11309 times:
Hi and good to see such a number of comments.
@R.:
Quoting signol (Reply 15):
another good read about your travels! Shame there was no Spaghetti Bolognese in Bologna, but I assume the lounges provided enough food!
Thank you and the lounges catered me well, so no real need for something more to eat there.
Quoting signol (Reply 15): Always stressful if a flight is cancelled, especially with an early start the next day. Looks like AF did all they could to get you back to STR.
Sure the case here.
Quoting signol (Reply 15):
I had this once before in a very busy LHR T2...
More Star coming up soon, but also something more on AF.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 16):
Thanks for your report once again. A bit of a stressful experience it seems at the end, but it all turned out well. Well I guess that's all part of the game, sometimes things go wrong...
Thank you and yes, definitely part of the game these days.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 16): I have also flown this type and airline some years ago to LYS from BRU. I liked it too but I liked the return flight on a comparable jet, the CR2 more. Somehow it felt roomier inside, maybe something to do with the 2x1 E135 --- 2x2 CR2 seating?
Sure the case with the 1-2 seating, but it was ok.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 16):
Hopefully no cancellations on your next trip and good luck in trying to stay awake
We will see!.
@gabrielchew:
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 17): You're lucky to have got good views on approach to VCE - such a beautiful sight from the plane! And your photos of Bologna are really nice - it's near the top of my (very long) to-do list.
Thank you and indeed Bologna is a good place to spend a day.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 17): Very annoying that AF cancelled your STR flight - at least you got a seat to Strasbourg and a shuttle bus onwards.
Sure the case here.
@P.:
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 18): Another nice report. You sure are sticking to the AF group nowadays, are you? Well, that's what frequent flyer programs are for, so I guess they are working...
Thank you and indeed a couple of Skyteam flights to go here.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 18):
Nice shots of Bologna, it's a very nice city. I like it much more than Rome or Milan!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 18):
Man, oh man, you just keep breaking your personal records, don't you?
I´am doing my best, you know.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 18): Yeah, I noticed too that they have added a ton of lounges around Europe - very much appreciated by me of course!
Count me in, as soon as they announce a german airline cooperation.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 18): Nice shot. Is that a mechanical or something? It doesn't appear in your FIDS shots and I don't think AY/FC do a nightstopper?
Don´t know, but for sure not the usual time with this plane at STR.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 18): Oh yes, reminds me of my visit to Bologna a couple of years ago. That was actually the first trip report I ever wrote here!
And a good one.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 18):
Well, "La grassa" isn't exactly alien to the color red - be it socialism or the red roofs of the old city! So it's only logical to feature it in the airport design as well.
Hey, good point.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 18):
Hey hey, I did that exact flight and carrier combination (albeit in the opposite direction) a year ago! One of the worst legrooms ever, let me tell you that!
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 18): Oh dear, doesn't look too good does it? Just out of curiosity - if you didn't have more travel the next morning would you have accepted the rebooking on the morning flight (perhaps even via CDG for some more fun?) and a hotel room?
With the family thing in the background I´ve accepted the bus anyway.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 18):
...you just keep getting crazier and crazier, you know?
Sure, just for fun, you know.
@Captain:
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 19):
looks like you had another interesting and adventurous day of flying, thanks for the report.
Thank you.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 19):
I really like these screens with the flight info, at least something good in CDG. Nice pictures also from the approach to VCE, looks like you have chosen the right side, well done.
Lucky me this time with the VCE approach.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 19):
Never have been there, but the pictures do really look good. Seems to be a great place to spend a day. And you were also lucky with the weather.
Sure the place to go for a day.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 19): That flight cancellation was certainly very annoying. At least you got an interesting alternative with the CRJ1000 again, but still. Did they give a reason for the cancellation?
No info with the reason, but from my point of view just a financial thing, low bookings on the flight out the next morning and open seats on the SXB service.
Quoting CaptainRed (Reply 19): Oh dear, that's tough. But that is what one got to do sometimes for some good travel experiences Hope you got a good seat on your next flight to catch some of the missing sleep.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6080 posts, RR: 56 Reply 21, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 2 days 18 hours ago) and read 11187 times:
Hi Markus!
Very nice report with nice pictures! Bologna seems really nice; would love to go there some day. The ERJ-135 looks nice. Too bad with the cancelled flight and especially since you got only 45 mins of sleep.....At least you made it home the same night so you could catch your next flight.
Looking forward to your next to your report!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 22, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 10912 times:
Hi, Lars
Quoting The777Man (Reply 21): Very nice report with nice pictures! Bologna seems really nice; would love to go there some day. The ERJ-135 looks nice.
Thanx for you´re feedback, Bologna is indeed an impressive city.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 21): Too bad with the cancelled flight and especially since you got only 45 mins of sleep.....At least you made it home the same night so you could catch your next flight.
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1241 posts, RR: 34 Reply 24, posted (2 years 1 month 3 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 10675 times:
Hi Markus,
Well, what a day full of surprises that was.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 1): 29.00 Euro´s for this short ride, that´s the way how to make money
And when you think the flight you'd just got off was only 40E.......
AF never fails to surprise me with their mix of aircraft, always good for a surprise. That E135 is a real cutie.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): Hey, that´s a joke especially for me, i´snt it?.
I should close my eyes, shake my head, open it again
but nevertheless see this on the screen
You never know, it might have been a side-effect from lack of sleep?!
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): Well, me as the smart guy you know, throwing my passport and boarding pass on the desk.
"As long as you find a way for SXB-STR for me tonight, I will take this seat as long as there is one available."
Good for you. I wonder what the other guys in the queue would have done if it really had been the last seat on the plane.
Quoting FLIEGER67 (Reply 2): STR pax should go to the SXB infodesk",
Yep, I know all about that
Btw, the FTL card is looking good on your bag!
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
25 FLIEGER67: Hey, nice to see more comments. @stipica: Thank you and indeed the E135 is a real recommendable bird. I will drop you a note when I´am off to Croatia
26 airbuseric: Hi Markus, fantastic to read your latest experience on AF, sorry about the cancelled flight, even more sorry to see you ending up in the same CRK agai
27 FLIEGER67: Hoi, Eric, and thanx for you´re feedback, warm welcomed. Indeed, it works in the end, but somewhat french style! I wasn´t really prepared for Turkey
28 aerobus12: Hey Markus, I have a little travel suggestion for you, with a chance to rack up an interesting airline/type. Krohn Air (http://www.krohnair.no/) opera
29 FLIEGER67: Hi, Alex, Now that sounds really interesting, thanx for the information. I will check the schedules. Greetings, Markus(FLIEGER67)
30 aerobus12: Correction - they do 4 daily round trips http://tinyurl.com/3gzkpkm And here some info about the LH route http://tinyurl.com/3fc6k6u[Edited 2011-04-02
31 FLIEGER67: Hi, Alex, Thanx for the further information. I will check it en detail. Greetings, Markus(FLIEGER67)
32 Aflyingkiwi: Hi Markus, Very nice report as always, good to see that you averted disaster on your last flight and looking on the positive side, you got another rid
33 FLIEGER67: Hi, Aflyingkiwi, Thank you and indeed from a positive side, the second run on the CR-K was ok. Sure a recommendable place to go, myybe the next time.
34 NZ107: Hi Markus, Another interesting Euro trip, thanks for sharing. Nice pictures from Bologna - some place I'd like to visit sometime! The E135 is a very i
35 parton87: Hello Markus! Thanks for a great report! I enjoy it very much! Bologna looks like a nice city. Hope to visit someday. I think that I should have stay
36 FLIEGER67: Hi, nice to see more comments. @Nicholas: Thank you and Bologna is for sure the place when you travel around Europe. Good point with the E135, also no
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