TRIP REPORT - Mackay to Brisbane to Melbourne - QantasLink/Qantas Airways - Dash-8-Q400 NEXT GEN / B737-800

Trip Report – Mackay to Brisbane – Saturday 16 April – QantasLink (Sunstate Airlines) – QF2511 – Dash-8-Q400 NEXT GEN – VH-LQB.

It was an early start for this flight with a 6.40am departure out of Mackay. Put the car in the undercover long term carpark at Mackay Airport, and off to the QantasLink counter.


This was the first time I had used Qantas/QantasLink online checkin – I checked both my wife and myself through to Melbourne the previous day and received four boarding passes which were easily saved and easily printed! Dropped our bags off at the counter and after a little wait time (there was also a QantasLink flight heading North due out shortly after ours) and they were checked all the way through to Melbourne.

I had a quick look around and took a few pictures of the Mackay Airport terminal redevelopment. There has been nearly $3.5million spent on terminal facilities including a new newsagent/book store and a bar. There has also been refurbishments made to the snack bar, car hire desks, and security screening, which have also changed locations within the terminal building. Eventually when the redevelopment is complete, there will be around 700 seats in the new and expanded passenger waiting area.





For the first part of our flight was to Brisbane. We were given seats in Row 11, about half way down the cabin. QantasLink’s brand new Bombardier Dash-8-Q400 NEXT GEN aircraft – VH-LQB – was parked outside and this was to take us South. The NEXT GEN Dash-8-Q400s have nicer mood lighting system on the inside as well as bigger overhead storage lockers.



Leg room is still ample on in these Dash-8s as well.

After some mucking around with final paperwork we eventually taxied away from the terminal about 5 minutes late. But being a quiet morning we taxied straight out onto the runway, all the way down to the end of Runway 14 at Mackay. Straight off and up through some low cloud before the seat belt sign was eventually turned off about 10 minutes after take-off. Mind you it was still a little bumpy but it was bearable.



Cabin service commenced soon after with breakfast consisting of a hot Danish pastry as well as a pack with yogurt and a muesli bar, and some juice. I also had a coffee. A lovely breakfast on this flight - similar timed flights with QantasLink out of Emerald provide a little less breakfast than this!


Cabin crew were very efficient and had the cabin cleared up after another 20 minutes or so. With this longish flight (one and a half hours) we then spent about an hour of reading and entertaining ourselves with the cabin crew never to be seen.

Descent started and the seat belt sign came on as we started to break though the cloud layer over South-East Queensland. Nothing majorly uncomfortable but there were some bumps with a couple of the bigger ones making some passengers gasp!

We touched down pretty much on time onto Runway 19 at Brisbane. Our captain obviously wanted a quick exit off the runway and some heavy breaking was applied (heaviest I've experienced) and we managed to make taxiway A4 and then straight onto the QantasLink apron - where VH-LQB is pictured below later in the morning.


We had a gate on the QantasLink remote parking (Gate 15 I think) and after a short wait for a bus we were soon in the terminal and straight through security to head upstairs in the Qantas terminal and the next part of our flight to Melbourne.

Trip Report – Brisbane to Melbourne – Saturday 16 April – Qantas Airways – QF617 – Boeing B737-838 – VH-VZD.

We got upstairs at the Brisbane Domestic Terminal, but didn't know which to gate to go to, so we took a guess and walked to the end of the Qantas terminal finger in the Brisbane terminal as this is where the ‘City Flyer’ services operate from. Sure enough, we were to depart from Gate 16.

The other good thing about waiting in this area is some good plane spotting opportunities of aircraft at Brisbane taxing to and from Runway 19.


I decided to ask at the Qantas desk about exit row seats and after a bit of passenger shuffling, much to my surprise we were changed to Exit Row 13 - complete with a window!

I do remember from previous flights on Qantas B737s - which we were on today to Melbourne – that the space and legroom of the regular seats in the aircraft is actually quite limited, and for a 2 hour flight, it would probably start to get a bit uncomfortable for my 6-foot plus frame. Better to sit in a roomy seat than squeeze into some other seat!


Anyway, some plane spotting done, boarding was on time and when we sat down, the amount of legroom in the exit row is really fantastic! The B737 features three abreast seating and we did have a person sitting next to us but still the amount of room was fantastic!

Push back was on time and after a short taxi to Runway 19 (past some spotters at the Acacia Street Loop Road) we had a rolling start and take off for the trip South. Nice sweeping left turn after departure on the Laravale SID, which took us toward the Brisbane Bayside, followed by a slow right turn down toward Armidale, and further South.




As we climbed up through the clouds the seatbelt sign was turned off after about 10 minutes, although there still a few bumps with the occasional bigger bump. Captain came on and welcomed us aboard and advised of a 1 hour 55 minute flight to Melbourne, so we settled back and enjoyed the radio with the occasional change to the cabin TV where an episode of Top Gear was playing – no news on weekends!

I noticed that the cabin crew were aged a little older and more experienced than other Australian airlines I have flown with recently. I didn't think they were as was friendly as some of the other airline crews I've had, but they were fine to me and most of the other passengers.

Cabin service began but as the trolley got to about row 10, we hit some pretty heavy turbulence and the seat belt sign quickly came on – but only briefly. Once service resumed we were served a lunch choice of a sandwich or quiche, followed by a drinks service. I had the quiche and some water. The quiche was so fantastic that I asked for more but they had run out they were so good! Even the crew missed out! Oh well…


My wife took the other options of sandwiches, and she also had a (mini) Coke!


I settled back and enjoyed the entertainment and after what didn’t seem like much time at all, the captain came over the PA with the good news that we had picked up a tailwind and we would land about 20 minutes earlier. So a 2 hour flight time became a 1½ hour flight. Nice!



Descent was uneventful with the seat belt sign coming on as we were breaking through some low level cloud. Touch down on Melbourne’s Runway 16 was smooth. Off the runway and taxi past the Virgin Blue terminal and the International terminal, with a Qantas A380 parked on the remote stand.



We taxied onto the Qantas apron and onto our parking gate. Shortly after, we were off the plane and after a couple of plane photos (Singapore Airlines B747-400 in Star Alliance Colours), we went downstairs to collect our bag and pick up our hire car. Our bag was actually one of the last ones out – but at least it made it all the way from Mackay!




It was really great to be travelling with Qantas again – I don’t get to travel on this full service airline much, and I enjoyed it. Although not the friendliest crew to speak to, they were thoroughly professional and really good at their Job. All up, great food, good service, and a great seat although as mentioned, we were lucky to sit in the exit row seat, and be comfortable for the entire flight.

UPDATED HOTEL REVIEW – Accor Hotels Formule One Hotel – Sydney Airport

This recent plane spotting trip was for a weekend - 2 nights all up - unfortunately it came with a lot of bad weather in Sydney. I flew with Virgin Blue and a Trip Report can be found HERE.

I again stayed near the Airport at the Formula 1 Hotel (read a previous Review HERE), and again requested a room on the 6th floor. I was given room 632 - which is in the new wing of the hotel - and at the end of the corridor which has the large window that overlooks the NSW Air Ambulance and the General Aviation apron as shown below.

The room itself didn't have the best views of the airport due to the fire escape staircase being right outside and next to this room - this was disappointing. I could only see the GA Apron - as can be seen in the picture below - and the nearby fast food outlets.

I am thinking that Room 633 which is opposite 632 could be a much better room where a lot more action would be seen.

The hotel was very busy during this weekend stay - the reception desk is open 24-hours a day - and from what I could see and experienced, the staff were very patient and handled everyone (including me) in a very friendly and helpful way.

Facilities at the Hotel are basic – it is officially a 2-star hotel – and their market is for transit passengers who need a bed for a day or a night. The room is small – mine is pictured below – this room features only double bed with a closet style bathroom/toilet, which unfortunately floods when guests take showers. There is also a small TV and desk and chair. The windows are double glazed and keep out the aircraft noise! On-site parking is available for a fee.

Breakfast is available daily in a sitting area on the ground floor of the hotel, and vending machines also provide ample selection of food and drinks for other times of the day. There are also nearby fast food outlets which also offer in-store free wireless internet connections!

Overall, for the enthusiast, this hotel is perfect for a one or two night stay, at most. For a longer stay near the airport, there are other airport hotels nearby that range from three-star to five-star. These offer better facilities, and some enthusiasts report that views of the airport are comparable to the Formula One Hotel.

TRIP REPORT – Brisbane to Sydney to Brisbane – Virgin Blue Airlines (ERJ190/B737-800)

Trip Report – Brisbane to Sydney – Friday 18 March – Virgin Blue Airlines – DJ958 – Embraer E-190 – VH-ZPK.


This trip was to do some spotting and catch up with family. After my meeting ended at 12pm I ventured to the airport to check-in for my 4pm flight. I used the Virgin Blue Quick Check-in Kiosk, and with a simple swipe of my Velocity card, I received my boarding pass. I was seated towards the back of the plane (again!!) in row 22.


I then had a look at the nearby departures board and noted that my flight was not scheduled to leave until 5pm. Did this mean more spotting time in Brisbane?? So I went upstairs in the Brisbane terminal, through security and took a seat and watched some planes.

I decided to have a walk down the new centre finger (Common User Terminal) redevelopment whilst it was empty. It looks very nice - as shown below - despite some construction still occurring.


It looks like the gates are operational with Tiger Airways, Jetstar, Alliance Airlines, Aeropelican, Sharp Airlines, Skytrans, and Pel-Air (REX) flights all departing from this part of the terminal. I also got a big surprise when I ventured the toilet in this area... Plane spotting opportunities abound!!


I discovered my flight had then been put back a further 15 minutes and saw that in fact all flights to Sydney were running late - poor weather in Sydney was the given reason. I tried my luck to get on an earlier flight that was now also delayed.

It was 3pm and the lovely Virgin Blue staff member got me a seat on the 3.30pm flight which had in fact been rescheduled to depart at 4.00pm. So I was essentially leaving on time!!


Embraer E-190 VH-ZPK arrived on gate 41 to take us South. Boarding started about 3.45pm – we were greeted by Virgin Blue staff in their lovely new uniforms – and by 4pm we had started push back. Shortish taxi to Brisbane’s Runway 01. With the departure to the North, a sweeping right turn had us heading South.




Some good views back to the West over the Port of Brisbane and Brisbane Airport, and further to Brisbane City. Soon after Archerfield Airport came into view, before we disappeared above the clouds. We wouldn't see the ground again until long finals into Sydney.






I was seated in row 10, on the right hand side with a nice view out the window of the wing. The Embraer E-190 is fairly roomy for my 6-foot plus frame - as shown – it’s not very spacious, but I wasn’t cramped up as I can be some bigger planes!


The seatbelt sign stayed on for about 20 minutes and then eventually the food and drink trolley came out. Problem was it only just made it past me in row 10 before descent had commenced and they ceased the service. On descent though, the Captain advised that holding was required to sequence us into Sydney and we were allocated a landing time of 5.30pm. That was about half an hour late for this particular flight... But on time for me according to my original booking!! Holding was done and off we headed to Sydney. Long final approach to Runway 16L with nice views over the airport as we were on finals.




Long taxi past the tower mound viewing area and the control tower and onto the Virgin ramp and parking beside another Embraer and a Boeing B737.



We ended up parking a bit later than expected at 5.45pm. There were some very unhappy passengers that got off the plane and missed flight connections, but I was happy with the Virgin Blue service in that I got Sydney pretty much by the time that I had expected!!

PS - I was greeted by this lovely billboard at the entrance to Sydney Airport while I was walking to my hotel!! I stayed at the Formula One Hotel at the Airport, and a Hotel Review can be found HERE.



Trip Report – Sydney to Brisbane – Sunday 20 March – Virgin Blue Airlines – DJ957 – B737-800 – VH-VON.

Some really poor weather for the couple of days of spotting in Sydney.


I drove back to the airport and dropped off the hire car. Up to the Virgin Blue Self Check-in Kiosks. Nice an easy and received my boarding pass for the flight to Brisbane.


On this occasion, I didn't bother asking for an exit row seat. I had Seat 7A – on the left side of the plane.

Took a couple of more pictures from the terminal but ended up buying some late lunch and then sitting and waiting for my flight. I was sitting at the correct gate, until, as was happening with most of the Virgin Blue flights this afternoon, there was a gate change. So everyone trudged down to Gate 34 - where VH-VON has parked - but there wasn't much seating left! So I, along with lot of other people, stood and waited for the boarding call which came about 10 minutes after the scheduled departure time.


I ended up being one of the final passengers to board and found my seat after shoving the backpack and camera bag into the overhead locker. Surprisingly plenty of overhead locker room, despite this flight being pretty much full. And it was full due to an earlier flight to Brisbane being cancelled - the two ladies beside me were supposed to fly earlier in the morning, but had to wait at the airport all day!

Legroom is okay on the B737-800 - certainly more roomy and comfortable than another B737-800 operator in Australia!!

So push back ended up being 45 minutes late with a seemingly pointless paperwork delay - I say pointless because no-one came to the plane with paperwork and no-one seemed to be taking anything off the plane. One good thing about a delay of this length though, is that it seems that Virgin Blue’s CSM’s are allowed to turn on the AVOD for all passengers FOR FREE!! What a nice touch – especially if there is something good on TV!!



Off we then taxied to Sydney’s Runway 16L. It is a fairly long taxi, but we were fortunate to get a rolling start with quick take off. Lovely views over the Kurnell refineries and Botany Bay, and then a series of turns to head out over the ocean. Then, a series of left turns had us then heading North toward the Gold Coast and then Brisbane.




Through a little bit of low level cloud although it seemed to be clearing up from the last couple of days poor weather - that'd be right!!

The seatbelt sign went off after about 10 minutes and the cabin device began. I bought some fancy new chips, chocolates, and a drink.


With the afternoon sun shining in, the window shades came down for the remainder of the flight.


In all this turned out to be an uneventful flight that went by quite quickly. We started our descent over the Gold Coast – according to the in-flight map anyway! Soon after, the seatbelt sign came on as we started to fly through the cloud that was over the top of South East Queensland.


We broke through the clouds at about Logan and turned onto the Runway 01 ILS overhead Archerfield. Touched down in Brisbane about half an hour after the scheduled time. Many apologies from the CSM about the delays - I believe he said because of weather delays earlier in the day.

Straight off the back of the plane and into the end of the Virgin Terminal - which as pictured, is undergoing some construction work - and to the hire car company for the evening drive to my accommodations.


In all – despite the delays – which are obviously NOT Virgin Blue’s fault – which some passengers don’t believe – these were a couple of enjoyable flights on Virgin Blue. Their product is really high quality and new uniforms are looking really nice and adding a sense of high-end professionalism that is a feature of a system that is becoming a major airline. Some people will still knock the user-pays system, but remember this is still a low-cost airline, and remember you always get what you pay for!!