Some Questions.

[suexxx]

Hi cruise family. Can you take lighters on plane. What type of hat(female) should I buy. Can you buy soft drink near where we get on ship and take it onboard without any trouble. Can you take shaving creme and other things in a can on plane. WE will be on Pacific Sun Feb. Thanks Suexxx

[aussiedisneyfan]

I am not sure about lighters anymore. You can take shaving cream and spray cans in either luggage or carryon. Make sure that they all have lids or they may not let you.

You can take soft drink onboard with you. There are a few 7/11 type stores around the terminal for small amounts. If you plan on stocking up, the closest place I can think of is a Coles at 388 George Street which I think is the corner of King or one at Wynyard and Carrington, near the station. Current locals will have a better idea been a while since I lived there.

I take a wide brim hat from the cancer council to keep the sun off my neck too. Bucket hats are ok as well (maybe a scavenger hunt item).

[cheznandy]

Hi Sue,

Make sure you get across to the pub across the road from the terminal, think it is an Irish pub. We check our bags in first then walk across and have lunch and drinks, you'll find it's a huge meeting place for people on the cruise, great atmosphere!!

Especially if you have time to kill. i think our last cruise started boarding at 1pm so we had a wait between checkout at hotel till then.

There is aslo a shuttle bus which is free from the terminal for cruisers which will take you to a duty free store in the Rocks, think it is Downtown Duty free, we went cause the kids wanted to but didn't buy anything, good idea if you could consume duty free alcohol on board:D

Cheryl

[AuzzieCruiser]

The airlines list what is not permitted on board. If you are flying Deathstar, they are VERY strict with the 20kg limit.:rolleyes: $$$$$:mad:
Here are the links:

Virgin Blue:
http://www.virginblue.com.au/flightInfo/dgoods/ (http://www.virginblue.com.au/flightInfo/dgoods/)

Jetstar
http://www.jetstar.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=88#dang (http://www.jetstar.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=88#dang)

Qantas
http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/beforeYouTravel/dangerousGoods (http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/beforeYouTravel/dangerousGoods)

[Skyrules]

The airlines list what is not permitted on board. If you are flying Deathstar, they are VERY strict with the 20kg limit.:rolleyes: $$$$$:mad:
Here are the links:

Virgin Blue:
http://www.virginblue.com.au/flightInfo/dgoods/ (http://www.virginblue.com.au/flightInfo/dgoods/)

Jetstar
http://www.jetstar.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=88#dang (http://www.jetstar.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=88#dang)

Qantas
http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/beforeYouTravel/dangerousGoods (http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/beforeYouTravel/dangerousGoods)

Deathstar! I like that :), hadn't heard it described that way before.

Deathstar will always be my last resort choice for domestic flights in Australia, particulary as I mostly fly Brisbane -> Melbourne - and Jetstar fly's to Avalon, which means instead of landing and being 15 minutes drive from my parent's place, we're more like 50-60mins drive away. But also because I don't really like the way they operate, and have had heard too many bad stories about cancelled flights because there isn't enough passengers to make the flight worthwhile.

[Tropicalshowers]

Deathstar! I like that :), hadn't heard it described that way before.

Deathstar will always be my last resort choice for domestic flights in Australia, particulary as I mostly fly Brisbane -> Melbourne - and Jetstar fly's to Avalon, which means instead of landing and being 15 minutes drive from my parent's place, we're more like 50-60mins drive away. But also because I don't really like the way they operate, and have had heard too many bad stories about cancelled flights because there isn't enough passengers to make the flight worthwhile.

Now you've got me worried...we're on Jetstar to Brissy & the TA's only warning was to have us & luggage checked in an hour before the recommended check-in time as "they wait for no man." We have a connecting international flight & she said if it looked like the plane would be delayed, to tell them, & they would HAVE to put us on another airline...presuming such an airline is able to........:eek:

[AuzzieCruiser]

Good luck with them trying to help you. They're know well for their Customer Service, or lack thereof. Make sure you regularly check to see if there are any changes to you flight. I booked a Deathstar flight in Dec 05 for end of May 06. In that time, the schedule changed at least 10 times!!:eek:.
I never got a phone call about the change, and just happened that I looked on the net.
I've flown them once, and that was more than enough. Whenever I fly, I always fly Virgin Blue. They're always cheaper than Qantas, and I earn points as well.
Here is a link to a useful site, that may help you decide which airline not to fly.

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/seats.htm

[Skyrules]

Good luck with them trying to help you. They're know well for their Customer Service, or lack thereof. Make sure you regularly check to see if there are any changes to you flight. I booked a Deathstar flight in Dec 05 for end of May 06. In that time, the schedule changed at least 10 times!!:eek:.
I never got a phone call about the change, and just happened that I looked on the net.
I've flown them once, and that was more than enough. Whenever I fly, I always fly Virgin Blue. They're always cheaper than Qantas, and I earn points as well.
Here is a link to a useful site, that may help you decide which airline not to fly.

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/seats.htm



My preference is Virgin Blue - I've supported them ever since they started in Australia, because what you see is what you get. I find QANTAS very rigid.

The first time I flew Virgin to Melbourne, just after they'd launched Brisbane/Melbourne flights, friends down there made the comment, "I won't fly them because you have to pay for the coffee" - which I just laughed at as I'd paid about $200 less for the return flight than the cheapest flight available on QANTAS..... That's an expensive cup of coffee!

And the trend seems to have spread - we flew Air New Zealand on our recent holiday - and on their trans-Tasman flights they now only offer a "Cafe" menu for meals, admittedly it's still free. On both our trans-tasman flights (boh evening's) - the choice was fish (a re-heated frozen fish portion) or a pie. And on the domestic flight from Auckland to Wellington we didn't get anything. Just a glass of water and a lolly when we started descending.

[AuzzieCruiser]

Air NZ is great. They have a 34" seat pitch on their 747-400's, which is the highest for standard Economy in the world. They had the best IFE (In flight Entertainment), and the meals were nice. The crew was a bit iffy though.
I think Qantas is a status thing for most people:confused: . If you have ever been on a Qantas 737-800, you'd swear you were on Jetstar. I think I had more room on Deathstar. As you said Skyrules, it is an expensive cup of coffee, packets of nibbles and apple.
Nerissa, are you connecting onto a International Jetstar flight? If you are they may hold the plane for you if there are a few people in the same situation as you.

[Skyrules]

Air NZ is great. They have a 34" seat pitch on their 747-400's, which is the highest for standard Economy in the world. They had the best IFE (In flight Entertainment), and the meals were nice. The crew was a bit iffy though.
I think Qantas is a status thing for most people:confused: . If you have ever been on a Qantas 737-800, you'd swear you were on Jetstar. I think I had more room on Deathstar. As you said Skyrules, it is an expensive cup of coffee, packets of nibbles and apple.
Nerissa, are you connecting onto a International Jetstar flight? If you are they may hold the plane for you if there are a few people in the same situation as you.

I've heard that Air NZ's long haul is pretty good, so they must put a lot into it and not worry too much about Domestic & Trans Tasman. I've flown Singapore, Lufthansa & Thai long haul, and Emirates from Brisbane to Auckland and back several times, and all were pretty good, I'd say Emirates probably has the best service, followed by Thai & Singapore, with Lufthansa coming in last, but not by much.

We flew Air NZ this time because we were coming back from Christchurch and it had the most suitable departure time for our needs, but normally if we go to NZ we go to and from Auckland so we fly Emirates. Outside peak times they are often cheaper than Air NZ, QANTAS or Pacific Blue, and have more convienient flight times with an early morning depature from Brisbane and a late afternoon departure from Auckland on the returen trip. And for all that you still get full service, including 3 course meal, hot refresher towls prior to take off, full seat back entertainment sets, the works.

[tgard76]

I think flying QANTAS in regional Australia is very pathetic aboard their Dash-8 aircraft. Shuddering, noisy planes, bus style seats that don't recline, bread and water as your meal (ok, maybe a small piece of cake) and to top it off, you can't change your seat as you'll throw the plane off balance. Give me Virgin Blue anyday.

Trevor.

[howsthis]

I think flying QANTAS in regional Australia is very pathetic aboard their Dash-8 aircraft. Shuddering, noisy planes, bus style seats that don't recline, bread and water as your meal (ok, maybe a small piece of cake) and to top it off, you can't change your seat as you'll throw the plane off balance. Give me Virgin Blue anyday.

Trevor.

Trevor, I have tried resisting but I just have to ask if your mums name is Joy. I agree about the Dash-8, swore never to fly in one again. I have to say Qantas to Tassy was very poor with a 'terrible' pie for our meal, but the best service we ever had was Air-Nugini but that was nearly 18 years ago. Don't know what they are like now. We had good service from Singapore Airlines when we flew to England, husband needed some medical attention and they were fantastic. Have flown Jetstar, not too bad, but this time trying out Virgin Blue for our trip to Brissy to join Pacific Star. I usually think anything that gets me back on the ground is good enough.:D

[chaz cruiser]

The airlines list what is not permitted on board. If you are flying Deathstar, they are VERY strict with the 20kg limit.:rolleyes: $$$$$:mad:

Let me add my recommendation to be careful about the 20kg limit. I just flew back from Brisbane after Christmas with Jetstar and thanks to my very generous family incurred a $119 excess baggage charge. I was 19 kilos over the limit and the lady let me off 2 and charged me for 17!! They charge $7 per kilo over 20kgs. Cost more for my bags to fly than it did for me... If I was flying Qantas I know I wouldn't have had a problem as I can take more luggage due to my frequent flyer status!

I think I will be more careful about my packing next time as one single gift from my Dad (a bathroom caddy with bubble bath & stuff) weighed 8 kilos.. Would have been better carrying it on!! Or just left stuff at Mum's. Better still I won't travel with Jetstar if I am likely to have a heap of luggage.

Cheers,
Charmain:)

[chaz cruiser]

The airlines list what is not permitted on board. If you are flying Deathstar, they are VERY strict with the 20kg limit.:rolleyes: $$$$$:mad:

Let me add my recommendation to be careful about the 20kg limit. I just flew back from Brisbane after Christmas with Jetstar and thanks to my very generous family incurred a $119 excess baggage charge. I was 19 kilos over the limit and the lady let me off 2 and charged me for 17!! They charge $7 per kilo over 20kgs. Cost more for my bags to fly than it did for me... If I was flying Qantas I know I wouldn't have had a problem as I can take more luggage due to my frequent flyer status!

I think I will be more careful about my packing next time as one single gift from my Dad (a bathroom caddy with bubble bath & stuff) weighed 8 kilos.. Would have been better carrying it on!! Or just left stuff at Mum's. Better still I won't travel with Jetstar if I am likely to have a heap of luggage.

Cheers,
Charmain:)

[tgard76]

Trevor, I have tried resisting but I just have to ask if your mums name is Joy.

No, why do you ask?

......... Have flown Jetstar, not too bad, but this time trying out Virgin Blue for our trip to Brissy to join Pacific Star. I usually think anything that gets me back on the ground is good enough.:D

I'm flying Jetstar in a couple of weeks. Not overly enthused about it, however, it's only one flight from Rockhampton to Brisbane, so not a lot can go wrong.

[howsthis]

I thought I may have known her assuming your last name is gard which it probably isn't!

[CRUISING ALONG]

Hello everyone.
Just thought I'd add my two cents worth about Jetstar too. We just flew to Hobart on Christmas Eve on Jetstar to Hobart. Had wanted to fly Qantas but ended up with a cheaper fare on Jetstar. At least you now have allocated seats on the fliights so boarding is civilised.
Plus there are only a couple of direct flights to choose from from Sydney- Hobart, and Hobart back to Sydney. The flight was late arriving and boarding but somehow we managed to make up time and arrived in Hobart only 5-10 minutes later than ETA. Had a little air turbulence along the way which made for an interesting flight.:) Had no problem with the luggage Although possibly due the fact that DH insisted we would share one suitcase as we were only staying 4 nights.:(
However we flew back on Qantas and same thing happened -arrived late, boarded late and landed preety much on time.
Is it just me or does anyone else think of the airline company Easy Jet when they think of Jetstar:D . Maybe it's the orange and white that does it. Or maybe I've watched too many episodes of Airline and Airport.
Cheers
CRUISING ALONG:)

[Star-Man]

Is it just me or does anyone else think of the airline company Easy Jet when they think of Jetstar:D . Maybe it's the orange and white that does it. Or maybe I've watched too many episodes of Airline and Airport.


I keep thinking that too. What i dont get is that Easy Jet want anything to do with those programs, with the number of people that voice their negative opinions of the airline its like one big bad advertisment. Why pay to make and air a program when all the people on it do is whinge about your company :confused:

[tgard76]

Why pay to make and air a program when all the people on it do is whinge about your company :confused:

Any publicity is good publicity, at least it get's their name out there. I think a lot of people would fly them at least once just to see if they really are as bad as what people on the programme make out. Besides, 95% of the time, it is actually the own person's fault, then they expect EasyJet to pay for it. Sorry, but in my view, the customer is not always right when they are so obviously wrong. Of course, fights, arguements and tears make for better television viewing than a bunch of happy campers getting on an aeroplane. I'm sure if a camera crew followed enough passengers around P&O (without making up stories like TT) then you would find a few disgruntled passengers for whatever reason.

Trevor.

[Skyrules]

It's interesting to compare the American & UK versions of Airline. In the US version (South West Airlines) most of the problems they experience are drunk passengers or passengers threatening to sue because they've been stupid enough to wander away from the gate and miss their flight, whereas the English version is more about impatience and the British need for everything to be 'just so'.

My favourite "character" from all the Airline/Airport series was Jeremy who was the Heathrow gate agent for Aeroflot. He was hillarious - he even got offered his own TV show in the UK.

I think these shows, along with ones like Border Security (Aus) and Border Patrol (NZ) are good for showing what really happens at the Airports or in the Airlines, and might make people understand that it's not just a matter of rocking up and sitting down on the plane, there's a lot that goes into it.