The Flight
6 - 8 November 2022
While visiting the Dallas Arboretum, we attempted to check in early for our 9:30 PM flight out of Dallas. After entering ALL of the information for both of us to check in, the Quantas app indicated we could not do early check-in and had to visit the Quantas desk. when we got to the airport,.
After consulting a couple of Quantas representatives at baggage check-in, we learned that the economy plus section had been overbooked and all of the seats were taken. The manager did offer us business class seats, but the seats were broken and would not recline. Julie was hesitant, but another Quantas rep (and Anthony) talked her into accepting.
Our Business Class tickets allowed us access to the AA/Quantas lounge. Where we were able to relax with complimentary food and beverages while waiting the 3 hours for the plane. Julie had never been in an airport lounge before and felt like a rube. It was huge, with showers, deluxe restrooms and darkened relaxation rooms.
When we finally got on the plane, the controls for reclining the seat were labeled “INOP”, and we resigned ourselves to 17 hours sitting straight up and down. However, the complimentary Champaign and the copious leg room and Quantas jammies made Julie happy about our choice.
Once the airplane took off, Anthony noticed the lights for the seat controls lit up. Much to our surprise and delight, the seats reclined all the way to the horizontal position, allowing us to sleep on the flight. The flight from Dallas to Sydney could have been much worse. Now we are a bit spoiled.
Service in Business Class was terrific. We had snacks and wine and dinner and wine and a sandwich (I don’t think we had wine this time). After sleep and 3 movies, we had breakfast (Anthony had Bailey’s in his coffee).
Immigration was quick and easy at the Sydney airport. We picked up a SIM card for our phones, with a 60 GB/ month data plan and free international calling (More about this in the Lessons Learnt blog)
The flight from Sydney to Perth was 5 hours in (gasp) economy. But we both felt pretty good after over 24 hours in planes and airports.
At the Avis desk, we picked up our cute little Toyota Yaris Hybrid, which we were pleased with. Anthony didn’t have problems driving to the hotel, on the left hand side. However, the turn signal and windshield wipers are reversed on the steering column, causing him to wipe the windows every time we made a turn.