abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4915 posts, RR: 55 Posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 14713 times:
Feedback always appreciated.
I > Background:
Seldom am I intrigued by a flying opportunity that requires a strong lobbying effort to change pre-destined plans with a bunch of friends that had been worked on for ages. Last year, a group of us did the trans-Siberian railways. I had done the loop from Mongolia to Vladivostok via Irkutsk, and the plan was this time around was to go all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok.
A week prior to the flight, an eclectic group of 10 amigos representing 10 countries had met in Moscow, drank a lot of vodka, and stocked up on more (previous experience taught me that it is almost impossible to buy vodka on the Trans-Sib). We had left Moscow and had reached the town of Irkutsk. After a great couple of days which involved a side trip to the beautiful Lake Baikal, it was time to head back on the train and continue our trip to VVO
On the road back from Lake Baikal, I noticed a weird billboard with an Antonov 24. I had never technically flown them (in Cambodia, I once flew the Xian on Phnom Penh Airways) and was intrigued. More importantly, I was keen on flying an airline that I had never heard of ... IR AERO, and was intrigued by where this airline actually flew to.
Señoras y señores, I proudly welcome you to my 125th report on A.Net - the first on IR AERO's milk-run Antonov 24 connecting Irkutsk (IKT) with Vladivostok (VVO) with stops in Chita (HTA) and Blagoveshchensk (BQS). I am pretty sure this is the first of its kind on A.Net.
II > Pre-Flight:
a) Before Airport:
IR AERO is an airline based on Irkutsk. Little is known of the airline except that it has traditionally flown Antonov AN-24's on the most bizarre milk-run network I have encountered in my life. Those little propellers connect pretty much Kaunas in Lithuania all the way to Vladivostok in the Russian Far East. Recently, they acquired some CRJ's ... that must represent a huge leap forward for the airline.
Ir Aero's route map:
Anyways, back to my story .
After we returned to Irkutsk, all the rest of the group of friends went out to explore some more of the city. My Israeli other-half and I decided to track down the offices of this mysterious airline. Using basic Cyrillic that the Israeli knew, we tracked an address down and found a great taxi driver willing to take us there and wait around. We were nearly convinced we were lost as we ended up in a rather dodgy neighbourhood of Irkutsk. After stopping several times to ask direction, we found a rather innocent looking building which apparently housed the global headquarters of Ir Aero. So off we went to the least secure airline HQ I had been to - and was directed to the "office". Here the Russian agents were all pretty shocked on why we were there. None of them spoke any English so we used hand gestures to understand their route network. After 30 minutes of confusion, I spotted a cigarette smoking man on a old computer and tried o see his screen. Looking at the map on the wall, I pointed to VVO and motioned him to type it on his screen. VOILA! There was a flight leaving tomorrow and there were 10 open seats. Additionally, it stopped at Chita and Blagoveshchensk - a town I had never heard of. I told my Israeli that we had to convince the group of the change in plan - working to my advantage were two things - one, some of them were getting tired of the train. Two, they all kind-of knew I was crazy . Keeping the Israeli at the office to guard (air force duty has perks), I rushed back to our taxi and told him to take me to the center. Several "urgent" SMS later, I found the rest of the 8 who knew something was up when I excitedly told them what I wanted to do. Mark of great friendship is always when each of them basically gave a resigned sigh, found some more cabs, and headed back to the Ir Aero office. It was quite a sight as 9 of us from different parts of the world walked in back to the "reservation room". A crowd had formed along with us and now we all wanted the 10 seats on the plane. As with all such events, more drama followed. I had initially thought the price was around 100 USD per person - only payable in Rubles of course. However, the screen clearly showed that the booking class had 1 associated seat at that price - the next up (think, last minute Y fare) was around 350 USD and we definitely did not have that money. After a lot of discussion and begging, and offers to put the entire thing on credit card ("nyet"), the cigarette smoking man who I am convinced was a 1970's porn star (complete with the floral shirt) yelled something to the young woman. He said, "OK. 100 USD. Russia great"! WHAT?! For the first time in my life, I had been able to haggle an airline ticket price. It felt absolutely wonderful as the young woman started writing manual tickets (took a while - they had never seen such an eclectic group of passports) and in an hour after a profuse round of "spazeeba's", and my Israeli parting with a bottle of vodka, we left the ticket office.
That evening, over many drinks, I thanked my crazy friend circle, and looked forward to the adventure that was to follow.
b) At Airport:
I could not sleep that night and the group woke up at around 6am to arrive at Irkutsk airport at around 730am. The airport itself had two components - an old Soviet style building - impressive, and reminiscent of Budapest's old terminal, and a much more "modern" generic Ikea-type newer terminal. My SD card failed in this moment and many of my terminal pictures were inadvertently deleted. Oh well. The check-in lady was a little confused with our group of 10 explorers - or maybe, she was confused because we were the only ones making the long trek to VVO. Everyone else was either headed to HTA or BQS. Anyways, boarding passes in hand, and being viewed by the entire Russian community (they don't see much diversity here), we quickly cleared security and went to the security hold room. We clearly stood out and when the door opened, all the pushing and shoving clearly indicated that our flight was boarding. No announcement was made one way or the other.
It seems that all boarding is by staircase at IKT, and a UT Air TU 154 was boarding in front of us for the flight to Moscow. It was an interesting sight to watch as the staircase had been pushed out only to see two passengers run to the aircraft and have it pushed back in. From the airplane door, the crew shouted at them to run faster (well, that is what it seemed). In our case, Ir Aero being not cool enough meant a hidden aircraft in an obscure part of the airport using a 1960's bus. I was actually relatively excited seeing the airfield strewn with various Soviet aircraft of yesteryears.
As I tried to control my sense of excitement, my friends started getting a little nervous at the state of the Antonov and I remember one particular Mexican telling me, "No ma**s Alex". Haha. We were greeted by probably the most stereotypical image of an erstwhile Soviet airhostess. Stern and blonde sans smiles or any pleasantries whatsoever. There was zero exchange of words. I wondered how she would react flying on a Singapore Airlines, Jet Airways, or All Nippon. Y load was around 70%.
Airport - External:
(Irkutsk Airport)
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(More modern current terminal)
Check-in:
NONE
Airport - Internal:
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(Airport art-work at boarding gate)
(FIDS)
NONE
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(Post Security @ IKT)
NONE
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Scenes of the tarmac:
(UT Air to Moscow)
Lounge
NONE
Boarding:
(Gate Area)
NONE
III> In-Flight:
a) Service Schedule + Impressions:
Nothing distributed while on ground. On the IKT-HTA, I was surprised to receive sweets prior to take-off (done on each leg - guess the noise is rather bad) and a choice of newspapers. Water was served post-take off along with a snack. On HTA-BQS, meal service. Nothing on BQS-VVO.
The highlight of the flight … and the reason I took it was of course the experience of stopping in random places like Chita and Blagoveshchensk. Of course, it did not disappoint. As the pictures would show, each airport was an amazing graveyard of Soviet airplanes. At each stop, we had to get off the plane, go to the terminal, wait, then get bussed back to the plane. I was yelled at several times to not take pictures - but I seem to never learn. Oops. The entire country seemed frozen in time - this was DEFINITELY not Moscow. Some of the people I encountered also were amazingly rude - a few of us got into several mini yelling fights with locals who would push and shove you at the airport - especially during the bus rides. My "darker" Mexican friend especially struggled as people who just give him really mean looks. In fact, a part of me just wanted the experience to be done with.
In terms of terminals, it seemed that Blagoveshchensk had recently undergone a renovation and was significantly more modern than the airport in Chita.
b) Aircraft + Seats:
The main reason for the trip was of course to fly the Antonov - and what an experience it turned out to be. Like the surroundings it served, Ir Aero's AN4 was stuck in a different era. While the seats were comfortable enough and provided decent legroom and recline, the entire aircraft was very poorly maintained. A few highlights included:
+ Garbage literally strewn across the aft galley and near the bathroom
+ Rust on various parts of the aircraft
+ Luggage that was supposed to be "secured" that never was
Also, at frequent interval, the aircraft would dip below 6,000 feet and I am convinced Oxygen was cut off - every one of us got nausea and sick - it was the first flight in my life where I got sick and went to the bathroom to throw up ...
... and of course, speaking of the bathroom was the highlight. The bathroom had "poop" all over it. I kid you not! Check the pictures - it was absolutely disgusting. And, not having any running water did not help. All that there was, was a water bottle with some liquid soap mix. All in all, rounding of an incredible experience, and probably the most bizarre one I have encountered in my life. One, I shall never forget.
Aircraft:
(Our good old Antonov)
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Views from Aircraft:
(Irkutsk Airport)
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(Chita Airport)
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(Post take-off from Chita)
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(Blagoveshchensk Airport: Unlike Chita, we were allowed to leave the airport terminal)
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(Near Vladivostok - and, Vladivostok)
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(As I mentioned, the plane flew very low)
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(Notice the guy was on his mobile phone, while on air - due to low altitude - who says you need expensive internet?)
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(Blanket ++)
NONE
(Bathroom: ready for my favorite pictures?)
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(Wait a minute ... is that what I think it is?!?)
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c) Meal + Beverage:
I was surprised by the sweet and water run after each take-off, and a part of me was looking forward to seeing what is served on each leg. Between IKT and HTA, we were served probably the nastiest sandwich I have EVER had. It was a combination of cheese (gone bad) and meat (gone bad). Two members of my group fell sick immediately. Between HTA and BQS, we were served a snack box that contained a mystery brown meat (see picture) which I first thought was spam. It tasted like (what I'd imagine) was cat food - and one bite and I was in the bathroom. The bread was OK and the café served with it passable - but the chocolate with the haunting face of a child was a little too disturbing for me. On the final leg, between HTA and VVO, nothing was served.
(Pre-takeoff @ IKT)
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(Just disgusting - rotten cheese and meat between IKT and HTA got some sick)
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(And the nasty main meal featuring cat food between HTA and BQS - with the creepy looking kid on chocolate)
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(Highlight was the tea service)
d) Inflight Entertainment:
Ir Aero's Antonov's come equipped with the next generation AVOD IFE - better than 1,000 movies is the ability to do unique things like read a book, chat with your seatmate (if you can hear them over the noise), and enjoy the vistas below. In-flight magazines are not provided as they would be rather bourgeois. I was surprised that they handed newspapers however ... too bad my Russian was nonexistent.
(“In-flight magazines”, Boarding Passes, etc.: No magazine - these were given @ take-off @ IKT)
e) Crew:
I wish I could say much about Olga - our seemingly appropriately named crew member. Olga did not smile during the entire journey. In fact, I don't think I hard Olga ever talk to anyone during the entire journey. Like in the military, she had a routine, and followed the entire thing to the dot. In some strange way, I felt comforted by Olga. If there was a terrorist incident, or safety issue, I have a feeling Olga would do very well. Really don't know what more to say - Olga was part of the whole "exotic" element to this trip, and soon (sadly) became a caricature. I tried not to stereotype her, but my polite conversations were met each time with a blank stare.
Just like I type this and pass judgment on Olga, a part of me wonders what (if?) Olga thought of us. And, if she did, what did she think? Sadly, I will never know.
Olga IV> Post-Flight:
Arriving into VVO was a much needed relief. A bunch of us were sick and were happy when our bags appeared within minutes of reaching the baggage claim area. We knew it had arrived as they were right behind us unsecured during the entire flight .
V> Impressions + Scores:
I did not fly Ir Aero to mark its candidacy as a vetted airline for the general public. I took it to experience an exotic carrier and that took me to places I never knew existed. In this respect, Ir Aero (do they even have an IATA code?) did not disappoint. It was an amazing experience that took me back to an age where multi-stop flights were normal, and IFE involved talking to your fellow passengers and observing the scenario out of the window.
Unlike a similar journey on African Express, Ir Aero did not have any form of human interaction that I would look back on fondly. In fact, the standards on board leaving me sick is not something I can recommend for everyday passengers. However, just for the experience ONLY, a two-thumps up.
(Note on Codes: Y – Economy, J – Business, F – First :: I/D – International/Domestic :: SR/MR/LR – Short/Medium/Long Haul)
(Note on Date: Dates are modified to be +/- 3 days from actual flight date to not reveal actual flight pattern)
VII> Other Pictures:
(Some pictures from Irkutsk and the beautiful Lake Baikal region)
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(Irkutsk: our hotel - am sure there was ton of real spy action)
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(We all need direction)
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(Mayor candidate)
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I'm speechless. That has to be one of the truly unique reports on this site - EVER.
Were you not absolutely pertified flying on that thing??
I really have to admire you for such an interesting journey, and for putting it on here so we can all see!
I'm still in shock though......
= Thanks mate. Ya - I found the flight/experience to be pretty unique - was a little nervous as we were flying pretty low, but overall crashes can happen at any firm. Why are you in shock though?
alsberg From United States of America, joined Aug 2010, 136 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 2 days 1 hour ago) and read 14418 times:
I commend you for your persistance to find that airline office, and then take a whole group of friends along for such an experience. And I thank you for sharing it with all of us. I also must say you've got some guts (literally!) for trying that food. All in all great and very rare trip report!
It seems their marketing was effective since no less than 10pax immediately booked their seats at the simple sight of that billboard...
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): IR AERO's milk-run Antonov 24 connecting Irkutsk (IKT) with Vladivostok (VVO) with stops in Chita (HTA) and Blagoveshchensk (BQS).
Not another milk run report. Wait, did you say Blago...ve...shchensk ?
I've got nothing against art and can take cartoons and humor easily, but seriously, *that* "art" at an airport?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): After stopping several times to ask direction, we found a rather innocent looking building which apparently housed the global headquarters of Ir Aero
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): a 1970's porn star (complete with the floral shirt) yelled something to the young woman. He said, "OK. 100 USD. Russia great"!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): the most stereotypical image of an erstwhile Soviet airhostess
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): each airport was an amazing graveyard of Soviet airplanes. At each stop, we had to get off the plane, go to the terminal, wait, then get bussed back to the plane. I was yelled at several times to not take pictures
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): a few of us got into several mini yelling fights with locals who would push and shove you at the airport
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): the entire aircraft was very poorly maintained. A few highlights included:
+ Garbage literally strewn across the aft galley and near the bathroom
+ Rust on various parts of the aircraft
+ Luggage that was supposed to be "secured" that never was
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): at frequent interval, the aircraft would dip below 6,000 feet and I am convinced Oxygen was cut off - every one of us got nausea and sick - it was the first flight in my life where I got sick and went to the bathroom to throw up ...
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): The bathroom had "poop" all over it. I kid you not! Check the pictures - it was absolutely disgusting. And, not having any running water did not help
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): we were served probably the nastiest sandwich I have EVER had. It was a combination of cheese (gone bad) and meat (gone bad). Two members of my group fell sick immediately. Between HTA and BQS, we were served a snack box that contained a mystery brown meat (see picture) which I first thought was spam. It tasted like (what I'd imagine) was cat food - and one bite and I was in the bathroom.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Olga did not smile during the entire journey. In fact, I don't think I hard Olga ever talk to anyone during the entire journey. Like in the military, she had a routine, and followed the entire thing to the dot
I still haven't stopped laughing. I can't choose between shock, disbelief and amazement. If it was April the 1st, I would immediately think this report is an April's fool joke.
kiramakora From Argentina, joined Aug 2006, 532 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 2 days ago) and read 14331 times:
Without any doubt Alex, this is the most impressive trip report I have read on Airliners for a very long time. SO many of the reports here deal with the usual flight plan and it seems none of the authors go beyond their comfort zone. With you, it amazes me that you can go from a First class binge to flying Antonov's across Russia to flying to Somaliland.
I am just stumped by the report. I LOVED everything about it, felt disgusted by the poop, and got a little nervous at the state of the aircraft and the sudden descents to 6000 feet.
By the way, I found the picture of the 9-11 attacks tremendously in poor taste. I cannot believe they were at the airport. Imagine what TSA would have said.
thegoldenargosy From United States of America, joined Sep 2010, 223 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 2 days ago) and read 14315 times:
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 4): I found the flight/experience to be pretty unique - was a little nervous as we were flying pretty low, but overall crashes can happen at any firm. Why are you in shock though?
This trip report has to be the WORST air travel experience ever reported on Airliners.Net. The aircraft was in deplorable conditions (I won't even mention the bathroom...). The cabin crew was mute. The food was so inedible that you became physically ill from having a small bite. Not to mention that the aircraft was flying at weird altitudes. The fact that someone who has flown as much as you have without getting airsick got airsick for the first time says a lot.
All that being said, I totally get why you took this trip. I think I'd take the flight to in heart beat. It seems like such a weird and truly Russian experience. Thank you for sharing this with us! I love your trip reports!
BTW Did your friends hate you for dragging them along? lol
loubert From United States of America, joined Aug 2010, 60 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 14172 times:
Great trip report, as usual. Great as usual, that is. The trip wasn't that usual at all! It's good that there are still adventures to experience in this rapidly shrinking and homogenizing world.
I've long wanted to visit that part of the world. Maybe I should stick to the train, or at least S7.
--Funny, but they should swap those out for something a little more current. Then again, you said that part of Russia is a little behind the times.
A few questions:
-Do you think you overflew China on your BQS-VVO sector?
-How did you like the Trans-Siberian Railway?
-Do you think you'll ever be able to haggle over airline tickets again?
burj From United States of America, joined Nov 2007, 838 posts, RR: 4 Reply 11, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 14163 times:
Wow...just WOW....
You have a VERY cool set of friends to let you convince them to get on that plane!
That airport artwork is just surreal! It is almost like a car accident....it is so horrific you just want to turn away and not look, but yet you just can't help but stare in disbelief...
debonair From Germany, joined Jan 2004, 2098 posts, RR: 4 Reply 12, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 14026 times:
WOW, outstanding TR... One of the best TR ever!!!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I proudly welcome you to my 125th report on A.Net - the first on IR AERO's milk-run Antonov 24 connecting Irkutsk (IKT) with Vladivostok (VVO) with stops in Chita (HTA) and Blagoveshchensk (BQS).
So, how long was the flying time in total? And how long of this in the air?
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Between IKT and HTA, we were served probably the nastiest sandwich I have EVER had. It was a combination of cheese (gone bad) and meat (gone bad). Two members of my group fell sick immediately.
Quokkas From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 13, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 13648 times:
abrelosojos,
What can I say? After your adventures in Libya where you didn't know whether you would ever see the light of day, could you really go back to the boredom of First Class in Swiss? After this trip "los ojos" would be well and truly open.
Your photos give a clue to another thread: where bag size restrictions for carry-ons come from. See the old-fashioned hat racks?
This is a truly amazing experience and proves that international travel can still be exciting, frightening and unbelievable. Have you considered forwarding a report to FR to see if they can gain any suggestions to improve their service?
Interesting artwork shown there: not just the dollar twin towers but the chicken-thighed Bush. Who was the artist? I wonder if he/ she would be as free to satirise the local politicians?
More intriguing, what was the bi-plane hidden among the bushes?
globalflyer From United States of America, joined Dec 2005, 806 posts, RR: 2 Reply 15, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 13506 times:
Hey Alex. WOW! What an amazing read. You are, I think, the most adventurous person out there! Lake Baikal looks beautiful. I too am intrigued by these places that time seems to have forgotten. It really is like another world! That AN-24 does not look like she has much more life left in her! I cannot believe that you all got this for $100! That they caved is amazing! You a re correct. I think that Olga could handle any situation! Yet another wonderful read! Cheers, Will
Landing on every Continent almost on an annual basis!
okapi From France, joined Jun 2006, 184 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 13446 times:
Señor! You never fail to amaze us all! Wonderful. Part of my favourite TR collection, definitely. You have a very funny way to discover the world. For sure, a different airline. Maybe you could find something similar in DR Congo...not sure though. I'm pretty sure you'll be the first one to report on any new flight from North Pole to South Pole!
What a dark sense of humour. Your pictures will be reviewed by the FBI!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): I wish I could say much about Olga - our seemingly appropriately named crew member. Olga did not smile during the entire journey. In fact, I don't think I hard Olga ever talk to anyone during the entire journey. Like in the military, she had a routine, and followed the entire thing to the dot. In some strange way, I felt comforted by Olga. If there was a terrorist incident, or safety issue, I have a feeling Olga would do very well. Really don't know what more to say - Olga was part of the whole "exotic" element to this trip, and soon (sadly) became a caricature. I tried not to stereotype her, but my polite conversations were met each time with a blank stare.
Don't worry, the fantastic world of modern airlines is full of Olgas. Every serious airline has their own Olga, in the air or at the counter...
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): (And the nasty main meal featuring cat food between HTA and BQS - with the creepy looking kid on chocolate)
By the way, how was your food on board the train?
Quoting paris380 (Reply 1): This is digusting. You should stop going to these poor countries.
Come on! Poor countries are full of surprises.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): All that there was, was a water bottle with some liquid soap mix. All in all, rounding of an incredible experience, and probably the most bizarre one I have encountered in my life. One, I shall never forget.
After putting so many of your friends and your beloved one, youìve become either a lonely man or a person surrounded by true friendship and love. My money on option nr 2 though!
Congrats for another fantastic trip report.
PS. One question: did you wear the (in)famous brown shoes during that flight?
lucce From Finland, joined Jun 2011, 88 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 13234 times:
Wow, that was a bit more exciting than the standard LH flights on this site! I've always wondered what is it like in that part of the world that is less under public eye than the the most remote parts of Africa. It indeed seems like another world though the landscape could seems almost identical to the Finnish one.
To be honest I would have guts to step on board one of those soviet planes but it's god that someone does.
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): (Just disgusting - rotten cheese and meat between IKT and HTA got some sick)
By the looks of that galley I guess that has been in the warm a bit too long...
Quoting okapi (Reply 16): Don't worry, the fantastic world of modern airlines is full of Olgas. Every serious airline has their own Olga, in the air or at the counter...
And yet some of them still don't adhere to appearance standards as well as she did. And in case of emergency it's more likely that she would carry her passengers out the aircraft three at the time than some of her western colleagues .
LH4116 From Sweden, joined Aug 2007, 1672 posts, RR: 15 Reply 18, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 13210 times:
Alex, I am speechless. Perhaps one of the most bizarre trip reports I have ever come across in my entire lifetime. Flying an exotic carrier sure is an experience, but in your case all the unpleasantness experienced really made me wonder whether this flight may have crossed the line from "charmy&authentic" to "a replication of hell taken place from the inside of a metal tube" (= I am never going to refer SAS Economy Class to that again, LOL). You must really have a special bond to your friends, as they agreed to come along on this what I assume to them nightmare trip. The multiple sickness was just awful.
However that goes without saying that this was perhaps one of the most entertaining reports I have ever read from you. You always manage to capture a story in a way that very few people on the forum seem to master, and you always manage to bring up one thing in every report that makes me burst in laughter. Keep up the good work, my friend!
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): Keeping the Israeli at the office to guard (air force duty has perks)
It must feel really safe to travel to those vastly remote, and exotic places with an Israeli watching your back
Quoting abrelosojos (Thread starter): My SD card failed in this moment and many of my terminal pictures were inadvertently deleted.
Perhaps you should consider getting a better camera, like one of those mirrorless DSLR's. Great images, and the same size as a compact… Or just replace that SD card.
reifel From Germany, joined Feb 2005, 1135 posts, RR: 1 Reply 19, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 12959 times:
WHAT CAN I SAY... I still can't stop laughing... this was such a funny read.
The most random airline on a most random route. The plane, the FOOD, the toilet, the reservation office. Absolutely crazy and terribly funny. This report is on the top list of most interesting trip reports this year for sure
Alex, you made my day!
That said my Antonov in Belarus was even worse. The seats look terribly modern on your Antonov. We had a nice red tone seats with green carpet. and there were no tables. Luckily there was no meal, too. Drink was water out of a 5 liter bottle that was given into the styropor plastic cups they use for coffee in the US. And the f/a was Olga 2 times older with a big fur jacket. I definitely need to write a trip report. Luckily I didn't tried the toilets
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4915 posts, RR: 55 Reply 20, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 7 hours ago) and read 12829 times:
Quoting alsberg (Reply 5):
I commend you for your persistance to find that airline office, and then take a whole group of friends along for such an experience. And I thank you for sharing it with all of us. I also must say you've got some guts (literally!) for trying that food. All in all great and very rare trip report!
= Thanks a lot for the kinds words man. Ya - I think I have OCD - when I really want something, it kicks in .
Quoting BrusselsSouth (Reply 6):
It seems their marketing was effective since no less than 10pax immediately booked their seats at the simple sight of that billboard...
= Absolutely. Quite the return on investment huh ?
Quoting BrusselsSouth (Reply 6): Interestingly, I can't seem to find Vladivostok on it.
= That was what was so shady about the whole thing. VVO wasn't on the network, but they had flights to it.
Quoting BrusselsSouth (Reply 6): I've got nothing against art and can take cartoons and humor easily, but seriously, *that* "art" at an airport?
= Isn't it weird? And it was not like a small town ... this was Irkutsk!
Quoting BrusselsSouth (Reply 6): I still haven't stopped laughing. I can't choose between shock, disbelief and amazement. If it was April the 1st, I would immediately think this report is an April's fool joke.
= Well. To be fair to them, Air France (Business Class) 4,42 and Viva Aerobus (4,33) and Air Sahara (4,11) had poorer scores.
Quoting BrusselsSouth (Reply 6): a) being brave enough to take that flight
b) sharing the experience with us
The pictures are excellent too, out of this world as I said.
Regards
BrusselsSouth
= Thanks a lot. Are you going to do it next ?
Quoting kiramakora (Reply 7): Without any doubt Alex, this is the most impressive trip report I have read on Airliners for a very long time. SO many of the reports here deal with the usual flight plan and it seems none of the authors go beyond their comfort zone. With you, it amazes me that you can go from a First class binge to flying Antonov's across Russia to flying to Somaliland.
= Thanks a lot for the kind words. I am glad you enjoyed - have a few crazy ones planned in 2012.
Quoting kiramakora (Reply 7): By the way, I found the picture of the 9-11 attacks tremendously in poor taste. I cannot believe they were at the airport. Imagine what TSA would have said.
= Agreed.
Quoting thegoldenargosy (Reply 8): This trip report has to be the WORST air travel experience ever reported on Airliners.Net. The aircraft was in deplorable conditions (I won't even mention the bathroom...). The cabin crew was mute. The food was so inedible that you became physically ill from having a small bite. Not to mention that the aircraft was flying at weird altitudes. The fact that someone who has flown as much as you have without getting airsick got airsick for the first time says a lot.
= Ya. I have never really got sick - even once when flying completely hangover after a night of debauchery and "activities", I felt better on board.
Quoting thegoldenargosy (Reply 8): BTW Did your friends hate you for dragging them along? lol
= Let's just say that I had to buy them a lot of drinks - besides, I think they were a little subdued by the fact that it was the first time they had seen me sick after flying, and even I did not want to replicate the experience.
Quoting thegoldenargosy (Reply 8): Thank you for sharing this with us! I love your trip reports!
= Thanks for reading them.
Quoting paris380 (Reply 9): Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 4):
Quoting paris380 (Reply 1):
This is digusting. You should stop going to these poor countries.
= Haha. Come on. You gotta see the world.
I don't like using my money to pay for silly things and bad food and poor aircraft that crash all the time.
= Air France has crashed more than Ir Aero - what does that say?
Quoting loubert (Reply 10): Great trip report, as usual. Great as usual, that is. The trip wasn't that usual at all! It's good that there are still adventures to experience in this rapidly shrinking and homogenizing world.
= Yup. This wasn't an Ikea-type flight for sure.
Quoting loubert (Reply 10): A few questions:
-Do you think you overflew China on your BQS-VVO sector?
-How did you like the Trans-Siberian Railway?
-Do you think you'll ever be able to haggle over airline tickets again?
= Yes. We overflew China. Trans-Siberian was amazing - have you done it? Do you have any interest? And, no, I don't think I would haggle over airline tickets again - but again, never say never ...
Quoting burj (Reply 11): You have a VERY cool set of friends to let you convince them to get on that plane!
= I do indeed .
Quoting burj (Reply 11): That airport artwork is just surreal! It is almost like a car accident....it is so horrific you just want to turn away and not look, but yet you just can't help but stare in disbelief...
= Ya. I was pretty stunned seeing the art work. It was right in the departure area!
Quoting debonair (Reply 12): WOW, outstanding TR... One of the best TR ever!!!
= Thanks mate.
Quoting debonair (Reply 12): So, how long was the flying time in total? And how long of this in the air?
= 6 hours too much .
Quoting debonair (Reply 12): BE HONEST- I guess you have now 9 friends less...
= Haha. Let's just say that my "ideas" are vetted with more scrutiny these days.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 13): What can I say? After your adventures in Libya where you didn't know whether you would ever see the light of day, could you really go back to the boredom of First Class in Swiss? After this trip "los ojos" would be well and truly open.
= I am laughing as I type this because I am about to take a LX flight today in FCL from BOS to ZRH.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 13): This is a truly amazing experience and proves that international travel can still be exciting, frightening and unbelievable. Have you considered forwarding a report to FR to see if they can gain any suggestions to improve their service?
= Oh come on. Is FR that bad? I have never flown them.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 13): Interesting artwork shown there: not just the dollar twin towers but the chicken-thighed Bush. Who was the artist? I wonder if he/ she would be as free to satirise the local politicians?
= I don't know who the artist was - they were shown all over IKT airport. Thought the 9/11 tower was in poor taste at an airport location.
Quoting globalflyer (Reply 15): Hey Alex. WOW! What an amazing read. You are, I think, the most adventurous person out there! Lake Baikal looks beautiful. I too am intrigued by these places that time seems to have forgotten. It really is like another world! That AN-24 does not look like she has much more life left in her! I cannot believe that you all got this for $100! That they caved is amazing! You a re correct. I think that Olga could handle any situation! Yet another wonderful read! Cheers, Will
= Olga might not have been winning any awards, but I do think she would take care of her wards.
Quoting okapi (Reply 16):
Señor! You never fail to amaze us all! Wonderful. Part of my favourite TR collection, definitely. You have a very funny way to discover the world. For sure, a different airline. Maybe you could find something similar in DR Congo...not sure though. I'm pretty sure you'll be the first one to report on any new flight from North Pole to South Pole!
= It is interesting that you mention the North Pole ... I would love to go back to DRC. One day this year.
Quoting okapi (Reply 16): What a dark sense of humour. Your pictures will be reviewed by the FBI!
= You are probably right .
Quoting okapi (Reply 16): Don't worry, the fantastic world of modern airlines is full of Olgas. Every serious airline has their own Olga, in the air or at the counter...
= Fair enough.
Quoting okapi (Reply 16): By the way, how was your food on board the train?
= Food on the train itself was crap and REALLY overpriced. However, there was plenty of opportunity to get down at cities and buy yummy stuff from the platform.
Quoting okapi (Reply 16): Quoting paris380 (Reply 1):
This is digusting. You should stop going to these poor countries.
Come on! Poor countries are full of surprises.
= And, there is plenty of poverty in France. One should just keep their eyes open when taking the train from CDG to downtown .
Quoting okapi (Reply 16):
After putting so many of your friends and your beloved one, youìve become either a lonely man or a person surrounded by true friendship and love. My money on option nr 2 though!
= Hehe. You're right ... but, barely .
Quoting okapi (Reply 16): PS. One question: did you wear the (in)famous brown shoes during that flight?
= No. They were rested.
Quoting lucce (Reply 17): Wow, that was a bit more exciting than the standard LH flights on this site! I've always wondered what is it like in that part of the world that is less under public eye than the the most remote parts of Africa.
= Haha. Fair enough. Now you understand why I feel writing my daily commute flight from CCS to FRA is such a drag.
Quoting lucce (Reply 17):
And yet some of them still don't adhere to appearance standards as well as she did. And in case of emergency it's more likely that she would carry her passengers out the aircraft three at the time than some of her western colleagues .
= Absolutely.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): Alex, I am speechless. Perhaps one of the most bizarre trip reports I have ever come across in my entire lifetime.
= Haha. Jonas, I am here to shock you.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): You must really have a special bond to your friends, as they agreed to come along on this what I assume to them nightmare trip. The multiple sickness was just awful.
= I have good friends.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): However that goes without saying that this was perhaps one of the most entertaining reports I have ever read from you. You always manage to capture a story in a way that very few people on the forum seem to master, and you always manage to bring up one thing in every report that makes me burst in laughter. Keep up the good work, my friend!
= Thanks a lot.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): It must feel really safe to travel to those vastly remote, and exotic places with an Israeli watching your back
= My Israeli serves several purposes in my life .
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): Haha, I'm sorry but that was just hilarious. Was the artist from Russia or Venezuela?
= Haha. I don't think the public in VZ would approve.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): Now that doesn't sound good at all. Then again, thank god it wasn't an explosive de-compression. I'm assuming your Antonov didn't have oxygen masks?
= I don't think there were any O2 masks. Can someone confirm?
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): = The part that made me laugh
=
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): By judging the pics, those flight attendants standing by the door look really HOT
= They were not flight attendants - they were ground staff at Chita. The only crew member was Olga.
Quoting LH4116 (Reply 18): WOW that really look like the dessert cart airlines roll out in Business Class!
I literally burst out laughing at that and had to show my housemate, who also looked shocked. Reminds me of my old school headmaster! I'm also speechless at the anti-Bush posters!
9w748capt From United States of America, joined Feb 2008, 409 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 12794 times:
Hahahahahaahahahahahahaa - you've done it again, Mr. Abrelosojos. I just cannot stop laughing. Everything is just beyond words. The creepy looking kid on the chocolate - OMG! The mayoral candidate who looks like he's guzzled a few too many liters of Stoli. Olga! It's funny, me and my sis were flying to India a few years ago and randomly assigned names to cute little Indian kids we saw on the flight. There was a little boy playing Grand Theft Auto on portable video game system we named Karthik. Who knows if that was his name, but to us he'll always be Karthik. But Olga is actually Olga. Wow. What an adventure of a lifetime. And the poop in the toilets!!! Good lord, every time I think you can't possibly top this, you prove us wrong. Bravo!!!
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4915 posts, RR: 55 Reply 24, posted (1 year 3 months 2 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 12745 times:
Quoting reifel (Reply 19): WHAT CAN I SAY... I still can't stop laughing... this was such a funny read.
The most random airline on a most random route. The plane, the FOOD, the toilet, the reservation office. Absolutely crazy and terribly funny. This report is on the top list of most interesting trip reports this year for sure
Quoting reifel (Reply 19): That said my Antonov in Belarus was even worse. The seats look terribly modern on your Antonov. We had a nice red tone seats with green carpet. and there were no tables. Luckily there was no meal, too. Drink was water out of a 5 liter bottle that was given into the styropor plastic cups they use for coffee in the US. And the f/a was Olga 2 times older with a big fur jacket. I definitely need to write a trip report. Luckily I didn't tried the toilets
= Wow! What route were you flying? You MUST write a report on it. Where are you based these days?
Quoting TupolevTu154 (Reply 21): I literally burst out laughing at that and had to show my housemate, who also looked shocked. Reminds me of my old school headmaster! I'm also speechless at the anti-Bush posters!
= Your headmaster in England? I wasn't as speechless at the anti-Bush posters as much as where they were located, and the subject matter of it. I did not understand the chicken part? Also, who is Condi Rice holding?
Quoting TupolevTu154 (Reply 21): Ahhh I came across this at some point of my travels, pretty sure it was on board an Alrosa Tu154.
= What was your routing?
Quoting TupolevTu154 (Reply 21): How ignorant and narrow minded. Some of the most amazing things to see and do are in "poor" countries.
= Besides, I would not consider Russia "poor".
Quoting TupolevTu154 (Reply 21): Antonov AN-2, of which there are still a few flying!
What an amazing report, maybe a little out of my comfort zone too, and I'll fly on anything with wings! Amazing.
= WOW! They still fly? Thoughts on how I can get aboard?
Quoting 9w748capt (Reply 22): Hahahahahaahahahahahahaa - you've done it again, Mr. Abrelosojos. I just cannot stop laughing. Everything is just beyond words. The creepy looking kid on the chocolate - OMG! The mayoral candidate who looks like he's guzzled a few too many liters of Stoli. Olga! It's funny, me and my sis were flying to India a few years ago and randomly assigned names to cute little Indian kids we saw on the flight. There was a little boy playing Grand Theft Auto on portable video game system we named Karthik. Who knows if that was his name, but to us he'll always be Karthik. But Olga is actually Olga. Wow. What an adventure of a lifetime. And the poop in the toilets!!! Good lord, every time I think you can't possibly top this, you prove us wrong. Bravo!!!
= Haha. Any report coming?
Quoting EL-AL (Reply 23): Thank you for this extremely rare trip report. Very intersting!
You are braver then me, I don't think I would go so far on such a journey, at least not without a russian speaker on my side.
= Thanks Jonathan. While I agree travelling with someone who speaks Russian is ideal, it is better to travel than not to do so.
Thanks again everyone.
Saludos,
A.
Live, and let live.
25 okapi: What an expert traveller on board RER-B! Now what about a nice trip to Greenland on your way to Central Africa? I don't recall reading any TRs on the
26 dc9northwest: Alex, One of the best reports ever on A.net. Congratulations. Then again, your reports have always been top, you must be used to all the praise by now
27 shamrock604: I'm sorry, I did not explain myself so well! I meant my comments in a humourous way, and was shocked because I did not actually believe that air trav
28 willzzz88: Nothing like Irkutsk... The UA-CO/CX trans-polar route to HKG from JFK over the airspace seems a bit boring in "luxury" when we're half-way to China f
29 willzzz88: http://www.vladivostokavia.ru/en/passengers/news/2011-10-21-01317/ VA now flies VVO-HKG-SIN... Russia is increasingly getting into a transit corridor
30 willzzz88: The next time I'm in Tokyo... I think I'm going to take a 2-2.5 hour A320 side-trip to the "European" part of "Asia".
31 signol: Hi Alex, what a report! Fascinating, to think that flying can still happen in such a way in 2011. So, given the choice, would your friends have prefer
32 abrelosojos: = . = I don't understand - what is the magic red Airbus? TAM? Central Africa is very much in the cards VERY soon ... just need to get a visa. Greenla
33 signol: A certain Swedish a.netter started the trend for photos in aircraft toilets, or so I believe *cough* Jonas *cough* I did JNB-CDG last month on AF (in
34 yapple: What a great TR! Though i rarely post, I always read your reports, and it's amazing once again. (I'm a big fan of exotic places and airlines) I've nev
35 dc9northwest: Hah, which are (is) the other one(s)? I won't fly Ryanair on general principle, but that's about it for me. I'm still undecided on Spirit, but probab
36 TupolevTu154: Yes, surprisingly! Generally a very creepy guy and even the teachers cowered away from him, with a weirder west country accent to match. Russian humo
37 CrimsonNL: Hi Alex, this is one of the most entertaining TR's I've ever read! Simply fantastic! You are sure lucky with friends that go through so much trouble t
38 palmjet: What a brilliant report Alex - thanks so much for posting this very rare report. I really enjoyed it. What an interesting routing as well. The pics sp
39 The777Man: Hi Alex ! Thanks for an amazingly entertaining report with amazing pictures! WOW ! I'm very happy that you and your friends were brave enough to try t
40 abrelosojos: = Haha. I did not know that the pictures of the toilets started with Jonas . = What happened @ CDG? Can you give us a preview? = First of all, thanks
41 dc9northwest: Nothing major, just personal choice. I don't like their style (ads, local subsidies, 40 Euros per boarding pass) so I won't fly them. I guess they're
42 gabrielchew: Nice report Alex - something a bit different! Um, isn't VVO missing from that map?? Great you could haggle the price down. I remember buying a ticket
43 BOACCunard: Wow. Just... Wow. When I clicked on this I thought it was going to be interesting (after all, it isn't often I see a TR about an airline I've never he
44 The777Man: No, nothing new; the guy was on the 787 tour that ended about a week ago. He said he definatly would be in touch but still haven't heard anyting from
45 lukeyboy95: Hi Alex, Particularly enjoyed this report. What an epic trip! Really unique report. . . It is an excellent, stark part of the world. I loved your non-
46 AirGabon: Well compare, with the fleet size and the number of daily flights. In this case AA and many other airlines have also crashed more than Ir Aero. Which
47 signol: Alex Sure... Route was JNB-CDG-AMS-NWI, travelling with wife and 2 children, aged 2 /12 and 3 months. Transfer from 2E to 2F, our pushchair wasn't at
48 okapi: Hello again. http://www.airgreenland.com/om_air_greenland/fly_og_helikoptere/ I did not mean The Magic Red Carpet by TAM. If I remember well, you post
49 ReadyJetGo: Congratulations on surviving that journey! The sandwich alone would've done me in! Fascinating experience and great photos. Thanks for sharing.
50 abrelosojos: = Fair enough. Having competition and choices is a beautiful thing . = Thanks for all the suggestions. I looked through some of the pictures of Trans
51 flightsimboy: All I can say is you landed up in aviation hell with the way the back of the aircraft and the washroom looked!!! Not to forget the dips the airline t
52 dc9northwest: I will arrive back in Romania on June 10th I think; I'm currently studying in the States. I will likely stay in the country continuously at least unt
53 kiramakora: Oh come on. Look at some of the trip reports that extol virtues of particular airlines. They are usually staff members of that airline. It is like pa
54 Aussie_: Hi Alex I'm always a fan of your trip reports, but as many others have said, this has to be your best yet. I have done some interesting flying in my t
55 abrelosojos: = Haha - ya, they think so. = Fair enough. Though, perhaps Olga is happy where she is? = Cool. I will let you know then. Are we getting a TR on your
56 lukeyboy95: Beijing, doing stops in Irkutsk, Oklohon Island, Ulan Ude. It is a surreal part of the world. Fully intend to go back with some North Face gear in th
57 dc9northwest: Sounds good I'll have to see. It's not really a special route (ORD-JFK-FCO-OTP), but I'll take my first flight with JetBlue during this trip, so perh
58 Aussie_: Hi again Alex - the link is for the DPRK tour (it's been discussed elsewhere on this forum) - some spots have come up again on the 12-19 May tour whic
59 abrelosojos: = Wow friend! I had to actually Google Oklohon Island - what made you go there? And, that is one thing that I am not willing to do -- visit these pla
60 dc9northwest: Hah, we'll see about that JFK experience flyers tend to complain about--I've never connected there before. I think I'm avoiding T3 though. Other than
61 BOACCunard: Not missing; this TR probably tells you as much about GL as you could want though of course I'd welcome one from Alex too. Why QR?
62 Widebodyroga: Quite frankly, I don't know where to start with this one. Some of the things I am about to say have (no doubt) already been told by others before me,
63 MH017: What a fantastic TR, Alex !!! Great text as well as pictures; it gives you a real insight of flying in rural Russia Would be interested to know the fl
64 abrelosojos: = I just checked the prices for the trip. It is insane - you are going to pay close to 2000 USD! Hey - wanna sponsor me? = I do vote for Malta and Sa
65 dc9northwest: You know what's funny--had it been literally anything else than a DC-8 I wouldn't even have thought about it at that price. The way I'm thinking abou
66 Aussie_: Hi again Alex LOL. With all the flights I have done in my life, my record isn't so bad I am now curious about which "distressed" Australian airline yo
67 ba319-131: What a trip Alex, just amazing! I'm impressed you got your mates to all change their plans to embark on this flight, did they thank you at the other e
68 eastafspot: Hi Alex, i was a little bit impatient as since the beginning of 2012 you did not report anything reckless. this one is obviously an exception hence I
69 abrelosojos: = Fair enough. I see that U of C is teaching you the value of money well. I miss the campus. = That makes sense - though, I HIGHLY recommend staying
70 MSS658: Hi Alex another great trip report you have got there! Another unheard type, another unheard carrier,... just what we need for a sunday morning read! F
71 abrelosojos: = You are absolutely right. As a poor peasant from my adopted South America, I can never have the social grace and aptitude to enjoy all the finesse
72 dc9northwest: Well, what's money if you can't spend it, after all? Saving's fine too... But doing both is even better I'd say I was surprised... But I'm not. After
73 AirGabon: I think each person has his opinion on which airline is the best according to personal criterias and experiences. I respect Abrelosojos' opinion on A
74 abrelosojos: = Fair enough - but it seems like there is a bunch of people coming out of the wood-works here on A.Net from U of C. = Well, TRNC is off-the-path, so
75 stipica: Hola abre los ojos or Здравствуйте ! ... lot of fuss around this ... ok I understand 6 hours in that cans raises some attentions ... but .
76 abrelosojos: = Haha - where have your travel experiences been in Ma Russia? = Ya - I know - the total embrace of consumerism in ex-Bloc countries continues to fas
77 Longhornmaniac: Alex, This report is simply incredible. I am seriously at a loss for words. You had me rolling throughout the entire report. Furthermore, you are simp
78 abrelosojos: = Haha - thanks Cameron. = You are emphasizing the "s" in Beers I hope ... and, I am more of a whiskey guy, and I hear there are some great places fo
79 Longhornmaniac: But of course! Beer, whiskey, whatever you want! Austin has it! Ha! Something like that. No sir. I went on my trip, but now that I'm back, I'm lookin
80 stipica: Hi A. ! SVO VKO ASF KJA ... SU (A320,TU154) 7B (IL86) private TU-134(company charter and I am at the bottom of the chain heheheh so no sponsoring hehe
81 abrelosojos: = Fair enough. You make me sound like an alcoholic. = What kind of work are you looking for? = What is UT? Univ. of Texas? I am sure Texas and Austin
82 LXM83: Hello abrelosojos Amazing report, very interesting and entertaining read! Great you caught the An-24. Actually they only flew within Siberia before ge
83 lhr380: Only 1 word can describe this TR EPIC What a story!!! I bet the HQ staff still talk about the day a random group of friends came to buy tickets...
84 abrelosojos: = Thanks a lot. = I had NO idea. Was their other destinations that came online after the CR7? = Wow. How did you find this out? I have been searching
85 LXM83: Hi abrelosojos Their flights show up in the OAG Pocket Flight Guide to which I'm a subscriber. I don't really know more than what's on their website (
86 airbuseric: Alex, mostly fascinating and entertaining read about real Russian aviation, I think. I enjoyed every part of it, including the lavatory pics. No wonde
87 MH017: How about a trip from Kaunus to Yuzhno Sakhalinsk on a CRJ, Eric ?
88 stipica: Hi A.! I'm sorry I have no information as far as I know everyone from the first echelons doesn't fly "the beautiful" any more ...you have better sourc
89 abrelosojos: = Hmm. This is interesting as the time I was flying them, they were not in IATA and had no code. Their reservation system was also in-house in comput
90 stipica: You really love the ping-pong ... 1998 ... ah I'm really old heheheh ...stipica
91 AirIndia: Should be called AVOiD............ Excellent experience, I would love to do. Thanks for the report......
92 AirPacific747: Very cool trip report! Thank you for sharing your experience with a part of the world that is rarely exposed. I have to admit though that you must hav
94 abrelosojos: = Always fun with you! Oh come on, 1998 is not too old - still have to fly them. Maybe, this year? = Anytime. Glad you enjoyed! = Haha ... death can
95 paris380: I am happy you admit it. And after the election of Marine, it will only grow stronger.
96 Longhornmaniac: Not at all, though your "certain Australian airline" may drive you that direction! At this point, anything that pays! My degrees are in biology and e
97 kiramakora: Alex - Do you have a copy of the paper ticket? I would love to see if you still have it. I am assuming this was paper?
98 kiramakora: You do not really believe this, do you?
99 AirPacific747: You are a bit full of yourself, aren't you? True I really appreciate your cool trip reports! Wish I could go on half the adventures it seems you do.
100 stipica: Hi ping ! I am little confused with your comment ... but it doesn't matter ...writing this just to get 100 points hehhehe good luck with the TU-134 ..
101 abrelosojos: = Sure ... = Thanks Cameron. This is one of them most challenging projects I am on with the most stubborn group of executive management I have worked
102 stipica: hahahahaha I understand that part ... please forget ... stipica
103 777jaah: WOW!!! Talking about a real flying adventure....takes lots of guts to do what you did, unfortunately, it TOOK your guts, literally. I have to admit I
104 abrelosojos: = You are way too kind. Thanks a lot . Saludos, A.
105 F9Animal: Well, at least you experienced it! Great trip report, and interesting perspective of the aircraft. I suppose it brings appreciation to say Ryanair! Th
106 fidelidade: I can't believe you saw human waste in the bathroom. This is digusting. I would want to immediately leave the aeroplane! I learnt a lot of geograpy fr
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