Awesome, thank you Helol

I currently cover the connections on the battery with insulation tape when travelling which sufficed in the past. I now have a decent underseat roller case that I have put a tear-out foam pad which holds everything, including the taped batteries, snuggly and safely underneath other items (such as travelling essentials). I have been looking at getting a proper little battery protection box that will comfortably sit in the tear-out foam (if I go that route, the tear-outs will be done to accommodate it.

This is my current set up :

(The boxes at left and right bottom corner of the image of the case with everything in-situ contain US to UK plug converters, forgot them once so they live in the case permanently now. In the view of the entire case contents, the stored battery is the pale grey rectangle close to the center.)


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....3004e92f71.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....0210dba704.jpg

Yesterday. as usual, I had the Midway webcam that is at the end of runway 31C running on my computer whilst sorting a few bits and pieces at home. It is on the screen always in the background cos, as webcams go, its got one of the best viewpoints and I enjoy watching the aircraft.

I was watching the webcam when the runway incursion happened. It was quite sureal, noticing the business jet approaching the live runway, willing it to slow down cos it was going a fair rate of knots. Thinking to myself "you're not going to stop are you?"....."erm...you're meant to stop!"...."nope...no intention to stop, you (expletive) idiot". Thank goodness the Southwest crew were on the ball. Actually watching it live as it happened was nerve wracking (to say the least)....knowing how commonplace these incursions happen. The business jet crew need their collective backsides kicking.

On Sunday I had the Manchester webcam going and a similar thing happened there too. A small business jet was taking off ahead of a Brussels Airlines aircraft on finals and for some reason the business jet aborted take-off causing the Brussels jet to go around. The distances involved were not as close as yesterday's Midway incident but it was still worrying to see it live on webcam, moreso due to the attrocious weather on Sunday.

From the point of view of an SLF, the game of chess at airports (and in the air) is complex and sometimes terrifying, and with more and more airport webcams and enthusiasts live streaming from airports, the more these incidents will be caught on camera. The webcam at Midway 31C is superb cos you do not miss anything, fixed webcams and those who are streaming live from car parks etc capture some incredible views.....it is probably only a matter of time before one of them captures something more than an incursion and it streams live.

I have often thought that all runways should have a permanent camera at each end. The cost is, now, relatively little and the recording need only be kept for 24 / 48 hours. Recordings would be confidential but could also be used for training of flight crew, airport staff and ATC. In the event of an incident - the camers would have it all. If a problem was discovered on landing, the carrier could request to see how the machine departed.

Can you share the URL of the mentioned webcams? I have an app on my iPad that has a Midway view but it is from across the street.

This is the Midway 31C webcam, it is a motion sensor type camera on the top of a building. There is a road infront but being high up, you get the full view of 31C and apron area. The camera will zoom in on various things, such as the runway incursion incident the other day which was caught on this camera as it happened.


The other camera, which I think you have, did not get the incident. The 31C camera is brilliantly positioned and available 24/7. The Manchester (person streamed from fixed point) and LHR camera (automatic fixed point motion sensor) are not online as yet, I can add those once they are up and running later if wanted.

Yesterday, on a BA domestic: Cabin of a 320 very busy and numerous bags and coats. CC asked for coats and jackets to be taken out of the racks to make space for all the bags. They then called for bags to be brought forward for the wardrobe and/or hold. The Cpt:
"We do need to get away on time. Please could you assist the cabin crew with the baggage jenga?"
later
"As you can tell, we did not quite win the baggage jenga but we'll do what we can."

And they certainly did! I stopped for a quick chat and both pilots very friendly and resigned to the bags problem. He said that one of the main problems is pax connecting with a long haul, which has different carry-on requirements.

The cpt felt that crew needed to be expert in Tetris. I had not heard this usage before but it made a good ending to a long day.

Contemplating with Cathay Pacific business class for my trip next year. Never flown business class before and just thinking about treating myself seeing as it will be my last trip (meeting friends from different parts of Australia for a Far East cruise)

The routes for the flights are MAN -> HKG and SIN -> MAN

Qatar, Finnair and Emirates business class appeal too. Plenty of time to choose as cannot book til 330 days out, which is around February ish next year.

I understand there are a few "goody bags" with business class, what can I remove from the plane and what stays on board, please, just curious. Anyone with business class experience on the above named airlines with views on "the best value" etc would be welcomed too. TIA.

You're going to base a C class ticket value on a 2 dollar giveaway bag of cheap junk?

No, do not be silly.

It is an actual question since I have never flown that class before and have seen loads of "review" videos where the bits and pieces (amenity bags etc) are mentioned but they never say what can be taken away with a pax and what cannot be, so am interested in finding out here (where knowledge of such things should be available - here - and without any sarcasm from anyone) rather than get into strife with the airline by taking home the wrong "souvenir".

Just after other people's experiences...bearing in mind flight length of 12+ hours...seat comfort, service on board, how many screaming babies likely to be onboard and just general "things that should not be done" when flying in the class.....this will be the first time ever in that class and I want to make the right choice of airline/aircraft and get things right onboard.

:)

Of the four I only know Emirates, I haven't flown Cathay since the 1997 handover and I understand they've changed a lot since then. On Emirates you can take the goodie bag, the pyjamas and the slippers but not the noise-cancelling headphones, Of other things that are not bolted down, the soft drinks are fair game, if you want a bottle of water to sustain yourself through baggage reclaim and queueing for immigration and customs, but the cutlery and glasses are not. Some airlines offer a freebie gift such as an engraved glass or a bud vase with the airline logo on it, this they actually want you to take away as you'll then have something in your house that is advertising the airline. You're expected not to help yourself to whole bottles of the smellies in the lavatories. If in doubt ask the cabin crew.

Remember that any liquids in the goodie bag will have to be taken out and put in the plastic bag on your return journey. They are rarely over 100 ml individually, but count towards the contents of the plastic bag (which I think is 20 cm by 20 cm) so if you're the kind of BonnieLass who travels with lots of makeup you may just want to place the entire goodie bag in your checked baggage for the return trip.

As regards value-for-money, you generally get more goodies and more expensive drinks and food on the Middle Eastern airlines as they have subsidised fuel and thus can spend more on customer service for the same airfare. Due to dynamic pricing, it is very difficult to predict which airline will offer the best pricing on the day(s) you want to travel.

As regards aircraft, I've heard good things about the A380 but haven't flown in it yet. 747's are getting a bit thin on the ground these days, but both have in common that the First/business seats are on a separate floor to the great unwashed with their squalling ####bags. (Not that I'm elitist or anything, I've taken small kids on planes when there was no alternative). Most airlines have the same business seats on their A350/B777/A330 aircraft so for single-decker wide-bodies once you've chosen your airline (i.e., which offers the airfare you can afford) you're going to get the same seat whatever the aircraft is. Some of us have prejudices, i.e., if it's Boeing I ain't going, I will always choose an Airbus aircraft. If you don't, the aircraft doesn't really matter.

Bonnie Lass
Amenity kit on EK has Bulgari products in it and I haven’t flown with the Cathay or Finnair for quite a while so could not comment. As others have said you can take the kit and slippers PJ, s etc but not other stuff.

As for A/C I really like the A380 for L/H and the bar at the back can be an interesting and indeed occasionally a lively place especially on lunchtime departure from Manchester.
The A350 is also good but EK are only just receiving them and I don’t believe they will be used on the routes you mention anyway. The chauffeur pick up is useful and a nice touch and current lounge for EK in Manchester has a good view of runway though they are going to be moving to T2 but not sure if that will before your departure date as it seems fluid when I last asked when it would occur.

Sorry I can’t help with other carriers you mentioned as around 15 years since last Cathay flight and Finnair probably similar and not been through Doha for about 7 years so not really current on those carriers. However I would say EK are quite pricey these days and I think you may find Cathay and Finnair cheaper.
As a left field choice you can do Oman Air via Muscat which do code share with Lufthansa so change in Munich or Frankfurt but it does make for a longer journey and you would be on 787 but they are around half the price of EK last time I flew to Muscat with them as EK flight times are poor on that route from DXB.

Cheers
Mr Mac

If you have to spend time in Frankfurt, the LH lounge vaut le détour. You can tuck into some excellent food and wines. Sam Chui raves about Oman Air (https://samchui.com/videos/worlds-mo...lass-oman-air/) but he has been known to take payment for some of his reviews. I'd go by Mr Mac's opinion, he's not likely to be biassed.

Does it have to be MAN? MAN is my nearest major airport too, I live close to EMA, but when I researched fares to Australia they were all cheaper (by a large percentage) from LHR, which is just down the ECML for me. I think you mentioned you have mobility issues, but you may find a taxi to LHR doesn't cost much more than MAN, and you could easily save the extra cost on the airfare.

Most of the flights that I have done dummy bookings (to get an idea of the fare) have been A350 or B777, the A380 actually does not appeal whereas the B747 does (Lufthansa still use them on FRA-HKG sector on some timings)

I have to admit to leaning towards the Cathay Pacific A350 nonstop from MAN-HKG....the return from SIN-MAN goes via HKG with them on either B777 or A330 with a nonstop HKG-MAN on A350....it is also coming out as being the less expensive fare so far. Finnair use A350 and the others I have looked at are a mix of A350, A380, B777 and Dreamliners. I like the Finnair since it has the most unusual seating, not seen it installed anywhere else and from reviews it is said to be the most comfy for a longhaul.

I did have a look at Oman Air but they didn't dovetail, kept saying no flights available to destination which I guess rules out codeshares which is a pity. The Emirates driver service is really appealing and would save having to mess about with trains, there is a 70 mile limit from the airport for the free of charge service, I am about 40 miles more than that and there is a small per mile charge for journeys over that limit which I may look into more nearer the time.

I have seen the reviews with the bar on A380's, it does look pretty good...and an excellent way to get some exercise on a long flight too ;)


It does need to be MAN since it is easier for me to get to. I don't drive, so it is trains for me and they go right into the terminal complex, so no faffing about...on the train, off the train and into the terminal (with a diversion for a night pre-flight at the Raddy Blu)

In regard to dates, outbound is potentially tricky. Usually I fly out to the ship the day before sailing, just in case of delays etc with the flight(s). Cathay Pacific with their nonstop service leaving MAN at 0650 ish gets into HKG at 0655 ish the day of sailing (the ship leaves at 1700), that would give me a decent buffer against delays which makes flying into HKG on the sail day risky but doable. The other airlines arrive in HKG at around 1400 onwards, they would mean a hotel stay in HKG the night before sailing to be sure that I reached HKG within reasonable time. It is quite the juggling act on the outbound. Coming back from Singapore is not an issue since I can stay at the Raddy Blu in MAN if the last leg lands anytime after midday - I say that cos frankly flying back from SIN and then getting the train home is knackering (done it once, not doing it again), so an overnight at Raddy Blu will be sorted if that happens. The dates outbound will either be Dec 18 or 19, 2026 and Jan 3, 2027 return......yes, I know it is very very premature but I like to do my homework and make sure I get things done right, I cannot do bookings for the flights etc til at least 330 days out from departure date, I just prefer to go into things with some background planning first.

I appreciate greatly the comments regarding the various things that can and cannot be taken off the aircraft, that helps a lot so thank you very much. Not having experienced business class, and seeing so many reviews of the various airlines by "internet influencers" and other reviewers, it was something that I wanted clarified and you have done that for me, thank you Mr Mac and Justapax1

BonnieLass As an aside, I have flown quite a few trips in the A380, and it is by far the most comfortable ride, even in turbulence. I have flown Econony, Economy Plus, Business, and First Class in it. Would highly recommend if you get the chance, to try it.

I flew Cathay in Economy and Business. The last time I flew Cathay, they had these weird pod seats which I didn't like at all. No idea if that is still the case. Also flown Emirates economy of both their A380 (verty good), and their 777 down to JNB.

The A350, I have flown with Virgin, in Premium Economy and Upper Class, well recommended. I try at all costs to avoid their 787, as the window shade can be controlled centrally and that would piss me off to the nth degree. Flown the 787 on BA down to JNB, personally not keen on the 787, it always seems 'a bit small' for a long haul flight.

Thank you Helol

I flew with Emirates in economy aboard one of their B777's back in 2009 from MAN to DXB...quite an experience, not least being met (unexpectedly) at the aircraft door by a gentleman dressed in full thawb who escorted me through the airport, insisted on carrying my suitcase (despite it having wheels) and ushering me through a closed immigration channel to an awaiting car which was driven by a driver with F1 type driving ability to the ship that I was boarding. The entire Emirates expereince from boarding in MAN to boarding the ship in DXB was frankly amazing. TBH the sight of the gentleman at the aircraft door waiting for me made me think I had done something wrong but infact it had been arranged by my travel agent as a surprise......and yes, I did get some filthy looks from other pax on the plane and in the terminal at DXB. I am not against flying Emirates again as long as the fares are reasonable for business class (or economy should I go in that direction)

I did attempt to cost up Virgin but they do not seem to have flights from MAN to HKG and flights from SIN to MAN available...they do operate from MAN but to MIA or MCO only.

The various reviews for the Dreamliner variants have not always been good....the window shading issue has been a bone of contention amongst many reviewers...so I have tried to avoid those where possible - Qatar use them alot out of MAN for certain flights (I have run dummy bookings for Qatar and although not first choice in aircraft, they are competitive with the others that I have looked at.)

Cathay have refitted their B777's with so-called Aria Suites in business class within the last 12 months or so and they have proven quite popular, their A350's have the original reverse herringbone seating, they seem to make a reasonable impression on reviewers....something that is better than pre-pandemic standard for the most part.

In the "small" aircraft department I was quite surprised to find an airline (name escapes me) that listed the A321 NEO for long haul, which many reviewers have compared the seats to being sat on a slab of concrete.

There is a lot of choice of airline and aircraft...hence why I am picking the brains of those here since reviewers on YT are not always unbiased and, let's face it, everyone has different opinions so as I said before, I am just doing the homework before making final decisions.....the only final decision so far is business class, just unsure whose business class yet.

BL
The LH 747 -8 are getting a little worn now in my experience when I came back up on one from SIN late last year. As Helol and others have said the A380 is a better ride, though I can understand the wish to travel on 747 as I am not sure how many years they will be around, though LH show no signs of retirement of the fleet in the near future at least.

It used to be a well known saying if it is not Boeing I ain’t going however my Boeing flights are definitely in the minority these days and I concur with others re 787 and used to spend quite a lot of time in 777 but it is a bit of a donkey compared with A350 IMHO.

Another option out of MAN would be Turkish but I have no experience of them.

As for special arrivals and as you are going to HK I did the Peninsula Rolls thing where you are also met at the gate, with Golf Cart and taken straight through customs and bags picked up for you, and the Rolls into town. It’s an interesting treat , though apart from The Bar on the roof I would not recommend the Penn in my experience.

Cheers
Mr Mac

I have been quite fortunate in being able to fly aboard the combi variant B747 with KLM back in 2008 when I attended a wedding in Houston. I flew economy and it was a really nice flight in both directions, quite impressed (which was likely easy to do since it was my first trip in any variant of the B747).

The Emirates driver perk, I have wondered if going from the airport to a ship in HKG and back from the ship to the airport at SIN would be available...thinking that only home to airport/airport to hotel transfers & return would be available only and without the home to airport and back since the mileage for the home to airport & back is well over the 70 mile limit (if that makes any sense at all)

I did take a look at Turkish, quite mixed reviews but then again everyone's opinion is always going to be different. They are one of the less expensive options and can include a complimentary sightseeing tour of various parts of Istanbul depending on transfer time (not sure if it is offered to economy since I was only doing dummy booking on business class flights), as an option of something to do other than hang around in the airport tween flights, it doesn't seem a bad idea, my only concern would be getting back to the airport in time for the flight if traffic hold ups etc happened. Nice idea if you have a long transfer time though.

Not entirely against the A380, however on a few of the reviews they were an absolute nightmare to board due to no air bridge (its a long way up to the doors, even to "only" the lower deck), this was reinforced on Saturday when watching the MAN webcams when the Emirates A380 had to use one of the remote stands due to air bridge failure at the normal gate thus forcing everyone off...and on...by stairs (uncovered stairs at that)......got me thinking mid December flight from MAN being cold, probably wet and stairs....I don't do stairs anymore, least not to that extent. I understand air bridge failure can happen at any time and at any airport but the thought of climbing the aircraft equivalent of Mount Everest is putting me off slightly tbh.

The A350's are certainly very popular across the many airlines which operate them. Again from the various review videos they seem very spacious inside and not at all crammed like the Dreamliner's seem to be - interior decor might well make a difference on that mind you....along with those daft window shading gizmo's on the Dreamliner.

Thank you again Mr Mac your insight is very much appreciated.

I would suggest that many here on PPRuNe are hardly unbiased either........ In particular, I would say that there is LOTS of confirmation bias when it comes to specific aircraft types and manufacturers.

If you're going to treat yourself to business class, then I would suggest - unless you have a real curiosity about a specific aircraft type you've not flown previously - you base your choice around a combination of convenience of flight times and cost. Business Class with all the carriers you've mentioned is likely to be a pleasure, regardless of the equipment you fly.

Thank you Andy_S , I absolutely get your perspective and agree that, as with YT reviews, there will always be a certain amount of bias in regard to aircraft type and airline everywhere, including here onsite. I have not flown since 2012 which, in aviation advance terms, is almost a lifetime, the choice of both aircraft type, airline and differences tween business classes on those airlines has expanded massively, especially it seems since the pandemic which caused an almost relaunch of every airline in their "ours is better than yours" competition.

I have to admit that Cathay are on the top of the option list purely due to the outbound departure and landing times being near perfect but also it would be a direct flight, so no hanging about in an airport en-route and all the kerfuffle that sometimes goes with that. Outbound I am looking to have a relaxing flight and to reach the ship without faffing about. That said the other airlines that have appealed to me to have transfers en-route in airports that I know will not be a complete nightmare (for example I avoid BA due to the utter shambles and chaos of LHR and cos I really cannot stand BA as an airline). Middle Eastern airports have such efficiency, user friendlyness and cleanliness compared to some European ones, it is almost a joy to transfer there rather than a chore to be dreaded. HKG is brilliant as both a destination airport and as a transfer one. (TBH European and British airports could learn a lot about how to design, build and run an airport from the Middle and Far Eastern countries)

On the return flight from SIN, having a transfer is not such a big thing since I won't have a ship to catch, thus not so much pressure to get to destination (MAN) on time. That said, Cathay are at the top of my list from SIN due to a transfer at HKG, which is a breeze, and a direct flight from HKG to MAN. The SIN/HKG flight is approx 4 hours then the HKG/MAN is about 14 hours so although makes for a very long day, it seems workable with a relatively short transfer time in HKG and no more faffing about til arrival "home".

In regard to the actual aircraft and business class setup in each, the choice is huge...Qatar with the rear facing Q-Suite, Cathay with its Aria Suite, Finnair with its AirLounge and the others, all with different variants of seating and layout is mind boggling compared to the standard economy seating arrangement. Aircraft type choices have grown too....there is much more to decide upon all round (which is a good job I have nearly a year to choose cos inevitably tween now and when I can get it all booked, there will be more changes made by airlines to their interiors in business class as they recover pax numbers fully from the pandemic)

It is, I suspect, virtually impossible to gain totally unbiased opinion as to which offers the best way to travel...but it is nice to hear other opinions cos they often throw up things, both good and bad, that I may have not considered or thought of.