The late May weekend "Oz Fest #1" in 2004 was a hassle free success. We had a few folks fly in from New Zealand - two from Canada, many from USA, 2 or 3 from Germany, from England, various states of Australia .... and Chris Reid flew in 12,500 miles from Scotland to be told by office he needed to come right back! It was a very pleasant group of folks from all over the globe - most of whom had never met.

Oz Fest #2 has turned out to be FAR larger in size. Well over DOUBLE in fact for all events. The 2 threads in Community and Qantas forums have attracted ~27,000 page views. There are 58 "Definites" listed now - flying in again from all over the globe - from 5 continents in fact. I am not sure if any other FT Doo anywhere has had that distinction? Please come join us!

Everyone is welcome. Your age, or FF status does not matter at all. By all means bring a partner or friends to whatever you attend - all days will be good fun, whether they are FF'ers or not. And we have kept cost of doing things as low as we can. :)

OzFest #1 was the first ever FlyerTalk "Dooo" held in the Southern Hemisphere, and everyone who attended seemed to enjoy it. Right now we have folks flying in from all over Australia - also Canada, Germany, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Philippines, and many from the USA. :p

----------------------------------------------------

OK .... now down to business for 2005.

As all who attended in 2004 can confirm, the weather in May 2004 was superb. Could not have asked for a better temperature range. Fingers crossed it stays that way in 2005! (Even though our "Winter" allegedly starts June 1 .... a few days later.)

-----------------------

Listed below (in order of them posting here) are the folks who have said they will attend and have emailed me thus with events they have confirmed for. No email no listing. Simple as that. There are ~850 posts on the OzFest threads, so I am not reading each one. If that means you miss a place on the almost full TT bus tour, or almost full dinner cruise, or QP ingress list etc, your fault. I don't read minds well. :p

It is a Memorial Day public holiday in the USA Monday 30th, so for anyone flying home you do it on your vacation time. Remember if you LEAVE Sydney on the afternoon of Monday May 30, you ARRIVE in the USA on the morning of Monday May 30. Tons of time to get home, unpack, have an early night and get organised for a day at the office next day etc.

-----------------------

Definite and confirmed (= 58)

ozstamps and Lynn - Sydney - (FD/SL/TT/QP/SS/DC/BM - all x 2)
Punki and Hunki - Seattle USA - (FD/SL/TT/QP/DC - all x 2)
serfty * - Melbourne - (FD/SL/TT/QP/DC/BM)
tinkybelle + Mr Tinks *- Sydney - (FD/QP - all x 2)
marguerite - Sydney (FD)
marlene - Sydney (FD)
QF WP * - Brisbane - (FD/SL/QP/DC)
Mwenenzi * - Melbourne - (FD/SL/TT/QP/DC)
Lis * - Sydney - (SL/TT/QP/DC)
meloz * - Sydney - (QP)
monitor and Franny - New York - (FD/SL/TT/QP/SS/DC/BM - all x 2)
Leumas * - Wellington NZ - (SL/TT/QP/SS)
Bundy Bear * - Brisbane - (SL/TT/QP/SS/DC/BM)
Dave Noble* - Canberra - (QP/SS)
corbetti and Roo * - Sydney - (SL/TT/QP/DC - all x 2)
Kiwi Flyer * - Auckland NZ - (QP?)
restlessinRNO - Reno, Nevada, USA - (FD/SL/TT/QP/DC/BM)
techgirl * - Texas USA - (SL/TT/QP)
MSY-MSP * - Minneapolis USA - (SL/TT/QP)
spaceman * - Virginia USA - (SL/TT/QP)
MRSTARALLIANCE - SYD via Waitomo Caves, NZ - (SL/TT/QP/BM)
RichardMEL * - Melbourne - (SL/TT/QP)
adamwebster - Great Britain - (FD/SL/TT/QP/SS/DC)
ozmerish * - Brisbane - (SL/TT/QP)
KathyWdrf - San Francisco - (FD/SL/TT/QP/DC/BM)
kpc * - Sydney - (FD/QP/SS/DC)
Efrem * - Boston USA - (FD/SL/TT/QP/DC)
franjelley - Sydney - (SL/TT/QP)
newcx12345 * - Sydney - (SL/TT/QP)
Paul Pang - Sydney - (SL/TT/QP)
RK - Sydney - (SL/TT/QP)
thadocta * - Sydney - (QP)
benoit - Hawaii, USA - (SL/TT/QP/BM)
jrobin * - Waterloo Canada - (FD/SL/TT/QP/SS/DC/BM)
Iain - Canada - (SL/TT/QP/SS/DC)
Karen - Canada - (SL/TT/QP/SS/DC)
goosegreen - Sydney - (SL/TT/QP)
infoworks * (QP)
cathaana - Germany - (FD/DC)
Daniel - Sydney - (DC)
capetonian * - Cape Town, South Africa (SL/TT/QP/SS)
Dazer *- Sydney - (FD/SL/TT/QP)
Alysia - Washington DC - (FD/SL/TT/QP/BM)
d00t * - Brisbane - (SL/TT/QP)
Russell Corr * - Sydney - (SL/TT/QP)
JohnSydney2000 * - Sydney - (SL/TT/QP/BM)
makatikid - Manila Philippines - (FD/SL/TT/QP/DC/BM)
StevePER * - Perth - (SL/TT/QP)
Noelene - Melbourne - (SL/TT/QP/DC)
Craigo * - Canberra - (SL/TT/QP)
santana * - Sydney - (SL/TT/QP)
iluv2fly - Chicago USA - (SL/TT/QP)
Freddie Junior - Colorado Springs USA (all events - he did not eat or drink much!)

-------------------------------------

We now have solid numbers I've made firm bookings and got firm prices from suppliers. We could certainly use a couple of extra bodies on the Sunday tour to keep the cost down to budget if anyone wants to add themselves to that. We set that up specifically thinking it would interest our overseas visitors, and so far very few of them have signed up!

Next to each handle I have added location of member (tell me if I am wrong on this!) and WHAT events they have definitely emailed me they will attend. If anyone wants to CHANGE this, and bring along a friend etc, (everyone is welcome!) or add an event etc to your name, email me direct - ozstamps at bigpond.net.au

Do NOT post it on FT please, or I'll lose track of the fine tunings, and it will bore everyone else to death as well most likely if we got a lot of that. If anything above is WRONG above versus what you emailed me, please advise by email and I'll amend the list above.

A few folks have said they are 99% LIKELY for some specific events but can't quite commit yet - that's fine, but those things have NOT been included in your "confirmed" above - just your DEFINITE choices you gave me by email.

Code for activities each person has signed up for is as follows:


FD = Friday evening dinner Darling Harbour area. At "Blue Fish" right on the water. BYO!
SL = Saturday early lunch $32 inc drinks at Observatory/Esky Bar at Int. Airport. Pick-up at door for TT
TT = Sydney Airport 'Tarmac Tour" - Saturday right after lunch. Free drop off at Qantas Club door!
QP = Qantas (Club) Pub - we go to after TT. QF Platinums lead by QF WP will co-ordinate entry.
SS = Saturday evening supper, 6pm, Pier 26 Darling Harbour before cruise. ~$A25 a head.
DC = Saturday evening 4 hour Brazilian Samba, Sydney Harbour dinner cruise, with an open bar.
BM = Blue Mountains and Zig Zag Railway day trip by our private coach, including lunch in the area.

I hate all paperwork, and am quite hopeless at Maths, but as far as I can make it, we have the following numbers so far:

FD = 23, SL = 45, TT = 44, QP = 51, SS = 13, DC = 25, BM = 14

-------------------------------------

* = QF Platinums.

* - QF Gold, Qantas Club member or OW Emeralds/Sapphire

(Essential to keep track of, for free Qantas Club ingress on Sat. afternoon!)

I have marked the Qantas PLATINUM members thus: * Each Qantas Platinum can (we understand) sign in 2 guests each, even if they and guests are NOT flying that day. This is a published Elite perk on QF website, and 100% legit Platinum benefit. We can all have a good social time courtesy Qantas and our obliging Platinum colleagues. Then after a few drinks and friendly mixing, go back to our homes or hotels for a nap before the supper and dinner in the city, or catch planes home as several are doing. :p

A few drinks in our own private corner is a great way to pass away the early afternoon. NOTE - the SYD Qantas Club is nearly empty Saturday afternoon, so we are not bothering ANYONE, or any other passengers in the remote "FT Corner", nor occupying premium space, which might have been the case on a weekday. :D

QF Gold members, and also Qantas Club members - both of whom should have a same-day boarding pass are able to get QC admission each, with one guest who does NOT need to be flying anywhere. Same deal with One World Emerald or Sapphire members. If you are in ANY part of this group please let me know on thread or by email and I'll add * after your handle.

For those who have added themselves to "DEFINITE" - please let me have the best email address to contact you on. I'll need this keep in touch with times, and prices, and payment details etc.

ozstamps at bigpond.net.au

Glen

-------------------------------------

Friday evening.

Dinner in Darling Harbour area.

7.30pm Blue Fish is right on the waterfront at Darling Harbour. A few minutes walk from Four Points - other side of the water. Walk across the Pyrmont Bridge, turn left at end and it is down the stairs around there. Tonight's TV says next Friday will be a sunny 21ºC (70ºF) during the day, but being near Winter, a lot cooler in the evening. We will set off from Four Points about 7.15pm for those who want to come as a group. Try and join us so we all arrive together. We have 2 tables inside and 2 with heaters outside.

So, I suggest we leave en masse from Four Points lobby at 7.15pm to walk across Bridge. Be armed with your bottle of BYO wine, or buy one as we cross the bridge. (Where prices will likely be higher than shopping around and less choice!) Feel free to drop by our suite from about 6 pm for a heart starter and light nibbles. HOWEVER anyone I spy through the door peep-hole before 6 pm clutching a bottle of chilled bubbly will of course gain immediate VIP entry. :D

They are a "BYO" place. (Bring Your Own Booze). I just phoned them - for a $A4 a a head corkage cost you can bring whatever bottled alcohol you prefer to drink. There is a bottle shop we walk past on the way there, so anyone can grab a wine, at bottle shop prices on our way here. So tinkybelle can drink her favourite French Champagne, and indeed all can tote along what they ideally prefer to drink, rather than pay $35-40 a bottle for the usual bunch of unknown trendy wines these places offer!

And they take '2 for 1' Entertainment Book $35 vouchers. If anyone reading this has Blue Fish vouchers please contact either tinkybelle or I to let us know you have them, and bring them along. It will cut down costs for sure and save us well over $400 right there. They take only 3 vouchers per table. So we are booked as 4 tables of 6, so cost will be VERY reasonable, and you eat and drink what you wish. . :p

Last year anyone still standing (all of us!) retired to Dave's suite at Four Points for more drinks and coffee, and that idea had great merit. So much so, I'll repeat the idea this year. :)

Saturday.

Say about 11.00am Meet at International Airport terminal for an early lunch at around 11.30-11.45am. Last year most of us shared cabs from Four Points at about $A5 each - leaving about 10.45am. Place is VERY easy to find. Far left of It'l Terminal. The "Esky Bar" place last year was very reasonable on cost, and they gave us the upstairs Tarmac "Observation Deck" tables to sit, where they do not usually allow diners. And being right on top of It'l Airport meant we did not have far to go to get on Tarmac Tour. Suited our group wonderfully. Unanimous support for doing it again this year. We have pre-ordered food and drinks so we can get out exactly on time at 12.30pm and not mess around with waiting times for food, or the bill. Cost is a flat $A33 a head covering meal and all drinks and tips - and the BEST view in all Sydney Airport.

I have circulated lunch menu in advance to all who booked, and pre-advised Restaurant of each choice. There are about 8 choices for the one main meal, covering all possible tastes. The fact they get all orders in advance from me cuts the ~20 minute wait for food to arrive. It is partly open to the Tarmac so the noises of jets taking off and taxiing we all get to experience! Last year weather was mild, but if a little cooler do bring a jacket.

12.30am - Tarmac Tour - we'll be collected in our OWN Tarmac Tour bus right from the door of this restaurant at 12.30pm SHARP. No $4 a person rail ticket to domestic needed this year! EVERYONE loved this tour in 2004. Our bus will drop us off at Qantas Club around 2.30pm. Cost increases for this tour May 1 took price up to $A33 a head. (http://www.airsidetarmactours.com/content/view/11/32/)

HOWEVER, with our own private bus, and special collection at It'l airport, and dropping back at Qantas Club addition, we've fixed a special rate of $A27 which includes a small contribution toward a very stunning and generous gift flown in from Boeing Seattle that we'll pass on at end of tour to the guide, who slotted in this tour just for us, when they were officially fully booked out on that day. A deal well outside of their normal service offer and routine, and last year we all needed to pay $4 each to get from Lunch to Domestic for QP by train. So we save both the money and much time this way.

I have organised the same TT driver Ian from last year, as he loved our group. Not having "others" in the bus will allow him a lot of "off the record" commentary on the tour. And as folks will recall, his "on the record" stuff was pretty tantalising. Right NOW (May 24) the bus is 100% full at 44 persons. Any new bookings will need to be on back seat which holds 4, but visibility is not quite as good they say, and they do not usually sell that row. :)

http://www.airsidetarmactours.com/content/view/32/62/

About 2.30pm - 2.45pm - Dropped off at door of Qantas Club by Ian in bus, for drinks and nibbles via our QF Platinum and Elite member friends then back to hotel for a nap if needs be. All attendees were emailed on logistics re this May 25. Folks can leave whenever it suits them.

Evening pre-cruise supper - Lynn and I drove into Darling Harbour recently to check out possible spots for Saturday night dinner. After a bit of checking we found a place just 100 yards from the Sheraton Four Points, right on the water, and that seems a good place for our group for pre-cruise mingling. We spoke to management there and locked in an hour booking with our group on the balcony (covered in case of weather) overlooking the Harbour, in our own private area.

We'd get Canapés continually bought out for our group, 4 different choices, and ALSO a couple of kilos of fresh cooked prawns. As most local folks know that is a LOT of prawns, and these run $25 a kilo from fish markets even. Eating and shelling cooked prawns with cracked pepper, fresh lemon and dipping sauce, looking over the Harbour is a great Sydney tradition, and we want some of our visitors to experience this. ^

With the prawns, food will only run $A25 with tip.

Drinks are more reasonable cost there than the other place, and they will allow us to buy as we go, rather than run just one long tab, which often causes a hassle for light drinkers when reckoning time comes around. At $A25 a head + what you drink, this attractive price-point should allow even the budget conscious to join in with us. @:-)

It is not a sit-down formal deal, rather a mingle affair - perfect for FT - and most will stand up I imagine .... but we do have tables of course for those that want them. Cost is incredibly reasonable for a Saturday early evening in that prime location. I have made a booking as they fill up fast Saturdays, they all advised, and need to be pre-paid pretty soon, when I have firmer numbers of those coming. PLEASE let me know on this. Start 6pm and finish around 7.00 pm, when we'll walk to cruise berth.

- EVENING - HARBOUR CRUISE for anyone who is around that night. We board at 7.15pm after short walk from Pier 26. Last year it was a Harbour cruise dinner dance on the Sir John Cadman as we got a fairly good rate. Also it departed from near Four Points Darling Harbour, where most folks stayed, so was readily accessible. But a VERY staid crowd and atmosphere - like the sort of place you'd take your Granny on for her 80th birthday. Like a floating Leagues Club! ;)

The idea was good, but we sat at formal tables inside and that is NOT good for a Harbour cruise as the visitors saw little of the sights due to bright lights inside. Lynn has found a cruise company that has an "Aqua Latino" cruise - Brazilian band, samba dancing that involves guests etc with prizes, and it goes for FOUR hours, the longest on the Harbour they tell me.

Decent sounding smörgåsbord, and for a special fixed price package they offer the cruise, entertainment, food and A FULL OPEN BAR for the 4 hours - beer, red or white wine and Champagne and all soft drinks/sodas/sparkling water etc. All for $A90 a head (about $US70) as we now have the minimum number required. (Anyone who only drinks spirits is out of luck, and needs to buy their own, as this deal covers wine/beer/sodas only.)

These folks have no idea what a few FT'ers I know can drink in 4 hours, and the company may be in liquidation late May is my guess. This boat has large outdoor deck areas for those who want to get away from the noise and rabble or have a chat etc. This is far more FT style IMHO. And suits a wide range of ages, which last year's did not. And for those who want to dance (coff) you are in the right place. :)

This is what they say about themselves:

delicious International style smörgåsbord, and a spectacular Brazilian floor-show straight from Rio de Janeiro, funky all night DJ, dance & limbo competitions, prizes & giveaways & more!

And the photos DO look like it should be fun for ALL ages:

http://www.vagabond.com.au/photos.htm

We will have drinks in our Four Points suite for an hour or more before we head off on the cruise (starting ~ 6pm) and this is a great way for folks to meet informally, and in a relaxed situation. Cruise leaves right from Darling Harbour - a 5 minute walk from Four Points Hotel.

You MUST be waiting at Vagabond Cruises, Pier 8, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour at 7.15pm if you are not part of the Supper group (SS) - we'll head off together to Wharf 8 and board. You snooze - you lose! This is 100% pre-paid and is very expensive and they will NOT refund me if someone gets lost. Go to water from Four Points and walk right RIGHT past the outer edges of Sydney Aquarium. Ton of restaurants in that region.

No cab ride expenses back to Four Points, and for those who want to party on, the Casino is just a walk across to the other side, and there are literally 100s of bars and restaurants both sides of where we will be at. :p

Sunday.

- For anyone still around, a full day activity. Last year we went to the Hunter Valley. Many emailed me asking we do something different, like rent a coach and visit the Blue Mountains or somewhere interesting like that for visitors. So I found a place with a good sized bus that will take us where we want. Much larger bus than last year, and far more comfy, so we can all move around and stand upright in it. We'll head off Sunday 8.30 am sharp from Four Points lobby, up the Bell Line Of Road up near Lithgow, through genuine Australian "bush" along the way. This is a decent trip - 150 Km from CBD or around 100 miles for our American friends. ;)

Lynn and I just had a weekend in a B+B up in Kurrajong, and "cased" out a fair section of the road up to the Mountains we will drive through. Thick Eucalyptus ozzie 'bush' in parts, Bellbirds and Whipbirds, horses cantering around open farmland etc. For anyone coming from outside oz, a great slice of country you will NOT see around the city and suburbs.

When we arrive we take the famous working vintage steam train at 11 am on the 'Zig Zag Railway' for 1½ hours. (Only $10 a person due to '50% off' Ent. Book coupons!) This railway line was one of the engineering marvels of the Victoriana era, and not often do we get a change to ride in a steam train. Hope everyone brings a camera!

http://www.zigzagrailway.com.au
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~harburg/hist1.htm
http://www.nex.net.au/users/reidgck/ZIG-ZAG.JPG

Then lunch at an historic Hotel up on Mount Victoria - 'The Imperial' up near there that Lynn knows well. Absolute TON of food choices, at our own cost.

http://www.bluemts.com.au/imperial/

Then off to Echo Point so the overseas folks can take their obligatory "Three Sisters" photos of Blue Mountains etc, then back home, via N.Sydney area to city arriving about 5pm ish I'd guess. Quite a low cost per head for that long day compared to other quotes I got, as this owner likes "cash" it seems. coff. With the number we have now the cost will only be $A50 a head for a full day bus touring, and coach companies ask twice that for an itinerary nowhere near as personalised, (none offer Zig Zag and Three Sisters together) and with pick-up and drop-off where we want it.

A few folks have flights that Sunday evening and wanted to get to airport about 6pm or so. NO PROBLEM. Coach will drop those folks off on Parramatta Road/Broadway area at about 4.30-4.45pm on our direct way back into City, and from there only a ~15 min cab ride to airport on a Sunday. Three of you splitting a cab will run well under $A10 a head tops, with tip. Just take your bags with you FROM Four Points on that morning. This saves you 15 mins of sitting in traffic to Four Points, then 15 more mins getting OUT of city area!

We planned this day thinking it would interest most of the folks from outside Australia. Curiously many of those folks have not yet signed up for it. Go figger. Hope new folks signing up add this Sunday. :)

------------------------

Payment and Hotels.

Last year, after folks nominated what events they were attending, I simply charged everyone's credit card a short time before we kicked off, and absorbed the merchant fees. This meant everyone got their airline miles, nobody needed to be chased for money, and best of all meant no messing about with splitting bills, as we came up with fixed prices. Or you can bank transfer, or PayPal me, or send a cheque. As long as we do it UP-FRONT! I can't drink, relax and count money at the same time, on the day. :D

Dissecting for an eternity who had the 2½ beers, who had the 3 Pepsi's, and who had the large Perrier water with 2 pieces of lemon, that cost 35¢ more than a beer etc. And then working out and having 10 minute discussions about tips, currency discussions, and then offering waiter 20 different credit cards to pay for lunch etc. I HATE all that petty and un-necessary nickel and dime nonsense. Pre-paying seemed to work well, and there were no complaints at all from anyone about this. PLUS we will be on time for our Tarmac Tour as this is all pre-paid. :cool:

The activities are non-refundable as we negotiated special rates for all of them, and need to be paid 100% in full up front on my credit card - Harbour Cruise, Tarmac Tour, Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, and Sunday Blue Mountains etc. Pre-paying for what you commit for means there is NO way the rest of us are going to be in for any nasty financial surprises with no-shows or cancellations for any activity, or the fact someone 'slept-in' or 'forgot' etc, etc. Been a financial victim of that myself at several overseas FT Doos. :mad:

I have added the Tarmac Tour to the plan for this year again, as simply EVERYONE has said they would like to do it again. It is a ozzie exclusive that one, tearing all around the tarmac and centre of Sydney airport in a bus, and all of us being flying nuts we can all do with a double dose it seems, of close-up airport action. And our driver Ian loves FT and those folks that hang out there.

For the Tarmac Tour the written letter confirming our booking this week says in a large box:

Note : for security seasons, you must bring with you a full list of passenger names. All adults must provide Photo ID for a security log. (Drivers License, Passport, RTA Proof of Age card etc.)

So they appear to be dead serious about this. Be advised that SYD is about the only major airport on earth that allows a van of tourists to wander about for 2 hours airside within the airport confines, so I am sure they do check these ID's pretty carefully. Across runways, past control towers, secure areas and maintenance areas. PLEASE be most mindful to bring the ID they ask for with you Saturday. If the Federal Police/security or the TT company needs to inspect them and you have forgotten them, it your responsibility entirely if you are refused access to the tour. And it will doubtless hold the rest of us for a half hour whilst they discuss it. And a new security rule says NO CAMERAS allowed on the bus as per separate posts in this thread. Phones with cameras in them are fine. Weird.

Re HOTEL ... most last year stayed at Sheraton Four Points Darling Harbour, and that was meeting place central. Good rates, and very perfectly positioned for us. And the Darling Harbour views are quite superb. I've booked a Suite already for 3 nights. Nearly all folks staying at a Hotel are at Sheraton Four Points. That's where Sunday bus will pick up from and drop off at, and Friday cruise leaves from very near there, (very short stroll) and Saturday dinner restaurant will be very near there too. For Sydney "locals" coming in to town, parking right across road in Sussex Street is only $12 a calendar day FLAT on weekends, so take advantage of a rate ~30% of weekday price! :p

Glen

Actually, my upgrades expire March 2005.

So, I'm thinking the week of 19-26 March 2005 for my visit. :)

Here are the NZ school holidays for 2005 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2822176)

How do we top Oz Fest 2004? What events can we do? I think a repeat of Tarmac Tour is a must.

Oh yeah put me down as a definite maybe (schedule permitting).

I'd have love to make this year's one, but personal circumstances just didn't permit... Therefore, put me down as a 'may-be'. My birthday is the weekend before (on the 8th), so extra HP's (http://www.australianbeers.com/beers/hahn_premium/hahn_premium.htm) for me! :)

Put me in the maybe category; was totally bummed I had to cancel this year. But - are we looking at late March (aka Spiff's note above) or May? Or both? ;)

I'm interested. Won't be able to commit until closer to May 2005. But I certainly wouldn't mind visiting Australia every year! :)

It was indeed a wonderful time, beautifully organized. Thanks again to all!

One quibble: I attended an FT dinner in Santiago, Chile back in November 2002. Although it was a smaller deal, not a multi-day Do like the one in Sydney. Perhaps the claim should be, the first large (or multi-day) FT Do in the Southern Hemisphere. ;)

Put me in the maybe category; was totally bummed I had to cancel this year. But - are we looking at late March (aka Spiff's note above) or May? Or both? ;)

I think May is probably more suitable because Easter 2005 will be in March. Therefore, school holidays will be around that time. As a result, flight/hotel prices will increase and awards availability will drop.

Spiff can always redeem his UCs now for his flights in May... ;)

Having a prelude in March is possible too, of course... I'm probably starting a RTW at Easter weekend, going to SYD on Good Friday.

Opps .. my error with the May dates .. I do recall Spiff saying March, now I think on it. The post above will be amended for MARCH. If that works for most folks and works for Spiff we can go with that - otherwise May is still a decent back-up.

I'll now ask a Mod to please amend the thread heading to MARCH. (Thank you! Ocnvw1K!)

Remember weather here in MARCH is nicer than May most times, as Autumn officially starts March 1, whereas late May is just a week short of our winter.

And airline low season fares TO oz are Feb/March and November usually so that may cut the bucks for anyone buying a revenue ticket.

The weekend of March 18/19/20 is well away from school holidays, Easter, and public holidays, and is less than 2 weeks after the Gay Mardi Gras if anyone will be in oz after that one, and wants to add this on the end of a visit. :)

Just checked Four Points Darling Harbour and award rooms ARE also available that weekend FWIW.


----------------------------

Spiff can always redeem his UCs now for his flights in May... ;)



He can? I thought one could only waitlist 90 days in advance and one had to use the upgrades before their expiration....

For me, March is less likely than May or later in the year....

But if it turns into just a long weekend trip in March, I could redeem one of my free flight certs from United (it's in coach and non-upgradeable, though).

Put me in the "maybe" column, as we don't pick 2005 vacations until November, 2004. Can't imagine a big demand for March, though, as that is usually when I take my first month of vacation each year.

He can? I thought one could only waitlist 90 days in advance and one had to use the upgrades before their expiration....

You're right. You can only waitlist from 90 days in advance, but if there's availability, you can upgrade as soon as you have your ticket.

You're also right regarding the usage of your credit, but you can use it for a flight that is after the expiration. Once your upgrade is confirmed, the credit leaves your account. In other words, if there's upgrade availability now and you've your ticket for May (for the sake of this example), you'll be confirmed right away. However, for argument sake, if you get on the waitlist for your May flight and they only get to the queue after your expiration, you obviously won't be considered because you won't have the credit in your account.

Anyway, back on topic - if it's March 18 - 20, you can count me out, sorry. (Leaving for SYD again that following week doesn't make sense to me. I imagine I'll be busy organising things for my RTW.) I'm still a 'may-be' for May though.

Ozstamps, there's a slight typo in your original post when you changed it to March. It says '18/18/20'... There should be a 19 somewhere? :)

Count me in as a maybe (1 or 2 people)!

This year we only made it to SYD a week after the event... Next year I will try to build this into a nice RTW...

Since I only managed to attend the OZ fest for the tarmac tour this year, I will try stay longer next year.

I'm a definite maybe for the March date but not sure whether I could fly down in May.

ozstamps - I followed the OzFest2004 thread closely and was very disappointed I couldn't attend. Clearly Joh and you did a tremendous job organizing this. The tarmac tour, the dinner cruise, the Hunter Valley trip - I'm about to get my 2005 calendar out! Please give me another chance and consider me a definite maybe.

Well Glen & Joh without any consultation with magic and Jerrie you have once again chose a date that conflicts with previous plans. :eek:

Since March 19th only comes on a Saturday once every several years we along with other FTers who attended the Las Fallas event in Valencia Spain in 2003 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-194357) have made plans to attend the event for 2005 so that we can be there for the burning without having it happen midweek. :-:

Maybe in 2006 we could have a little better coordination. :D

I got lost following the can he/can't he use the Quantas upgrades discussion, so I'll just say right now I'm in (client base allowing) for either March or May. And if it's the weekend of the 18th of March, then that still leaves open the next weekend for the LHR BumpDo I was thinking of organizing. :D

The (pending) invasion of Iraq made me cancel the trip to the Valencia Las Fallas Do last year March. :mad:

Wouldn't mind to try again to do Valencia "Las Fallas" this year... :confused:

So my vote goes to May... ^

Magic111 ... as you may recall Joh and I were 2 of the very first folks to sign up for blondebomber's masterfully co-ordinated Las Fallas in Valancia Doo in March 2003:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=194357&page=4&pp=30

(In fact we were long signed up before it was even posted on FT. ;))

We had the airline tickets and hotel all booked and an itinerary all planned around it. The fact Mr Bush was carpet bombing cruise missiles into Iraq at the exact time and flight path we needed to be on to reach Europe kind of dulled our enthusiam in the end. :mad:

So is there a thread somewhere for the Las Fallas Spain 2005? Have not seen one and did not realise there was to be a repeat gatheirng. Sounds like a fun event, but right now this one in SYD is what we are trying to lock in dates for, that suit most of those hoping to attend. :p

Glen & Joh

Thanks for the quick response. True there is no thread at this moment on Las Fallas as there has only been discussion off line in face to face contacts. I guess when you go to a lot of events this can happen.

Well I figured that since the thread title had been changed to March that the May day was a goner. Glad to hear that one of the organizers wants the May date. :)

Jerrie would make the May dates in Sydney but for me it is iup in the air at this time.

... but I would love to go to both Sydney and Valencia if possible!

First, where do I sign up for Valencia? :p

I was merely a lurker on the 2004 threads, but I'd love for you to happen to fit into my existing travel plans. Mrs.Mike & myself will be in Oz (& NZ) from 4/27/05 to 5/24/05 on some milage-burning QF F seats. We'd love to be a part of a "Fest" sometime and this seems a great one.

Hmm Easter is late March next year. If it is going to be March my
vote would be earlier in the month (1st or 2nd weekend). Is April an option? I notice 25th (Anzac Day) is a Monday so a long weekend in NZ and Australia. On second thoughts clashes with school holidays so not a good idea.

Kiwi Flyer - yes as outlined above middish March seems the best slot.

There is no thread anywhere on Spain, so I'll focus on SYD for the time being. :)

There is no thread anywhere on Spain, so I'll focus on SYD for the time being. :)

There is one (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=338635) now... :)

I am interested in coming to Australia after seeing Ozstamps in DC so many times! The question is when though...I can't plan my life too far in advance but would like to perhaps make this in 2005. If I can't then I guess it will be 2006.

I was merely a lurker on the 2004 threads, but I'd love for you to happen to fit into my existing travel plans. Mrs.Mike & myself will be in Oz (& NZ) from 4/27/05 to 5/24/05 on some milage-burning QF F seats. We'd love to be a part of a "Fest" sometime and this seems a great one.

Looks like both May and March are the popular months. :)

Looks like both May and March are the popular months. :)

Using reward tickets limits one's flexibility, since booking 330 days out is pretty much a must. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

Well, given that I have an official offer that would have me in Melbourne sometime this year, I guess I wouldn't have any particular excuse not to show up.

Put me down as a definite maybe for either (or both) March and May.

Using reward tickets limits one's flexibility, since booking 330 days out is pretty much a must. We'll keep our fingers crossed.
That may be true on the airline(s) you fly, but not on UA. Availability to Oz didn't open up on the dates (and in the class) I wanted until 4-5 weeks before departure for this last Ozfest. Though if I had been willing to book an award ticket in economy instead of business, I would have been able to earlier than that timeframe.

That may be true on the airline(s) you fly, but not on UA. Availability to Oz didn't open up on the dates (and in the class) I wanted until 4-5 weeks before departure for this last Ozfest. Though if I had been willing to book an award ticket in economy instead of business, I would have been able to earlier than that timeframe.

We're on Qantas in F. If I flew that far in coach, I'm sure something terrible would happen to me. I wondered if availability started to ease as the dates grew closer -- that is good to know. I could have booked UA as well, but the Qantus award allowed me to hit three cities on the same ticket.

Bump.

Given Easter is in March my vote is for May.

I'd like to go in May. I already have a trip sched for 3/18 - 3/21.

OK .... have been a bit slack on this one, so about time we got a date set. :p

Qantas just announced HORRIFIC changes to their flyer plan taking effect May 25.

For instance an award First Class ticket RT from NYC to SYD will go up from an already high 200,000 to 384,000 miles. (UA charges 120,000 for the same award.)

Upgrades you will no longer be able to confirm. For anyone from overseas with QF miles to burn that does get here after May, awards within oz go up, you can't upgrade lowball fares etc on your internal flights ... the list is pretty grim. Read all about it here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374186

Fastest moving thread in the history of the QF forum I think. And my deep in the stomach hunch is that United will hike their awards too, as there are only 2 carriers that fly direct to the USA.

So grabbing some award seats NOW with UA miles does seems to make good sense, as KathyWdrf points out above from her personal experience, seats here are tough to secure, unless you plan way ahead. If UA announce a big point increase to oz there will not be a saver C or F award down here to be had for 330 days, you can bet the house on that.

I have read carefully this entire thread, and nearly all those given a choice of March or May opted for May 2005. As others have pointed out the Easter holidays in March makes that a bad choice.

So, let's take a stab at the weekend of May 13/14/15.

Any input on other dates in May that could suit others better are welcomed. :D

I will ask moderator ralfkrippner (himself a possible attendee!) to please amend the thread heading.

As long as QF people book the award prior to May 2005 the old level applies. I guess, same should apply to upgrades already confirmed. So, we don't have to have the fest prior to May 25.

I'd vote for later in May if possible. Will be in Europe earlier in May and probably won't be back before the 20th. I'd love to come again and think it's a great idea ^

I guess calendars work differently down under....on my 2005 calendar, the weekend falls on May 14/15.

Anyhow, I have to do a Circle Pacific biz trip next April that will either begin or end in Oz and for actual work reasons, I can't realistically START the trip before about April 25. So gee, I might be able to get there if it were held around this time! Would certainly be the farthest-from-home DO I've ever been to.

While it may be a bit naive of me to ask this, is "Oz" in this case shorthand for "Sydney?"

At your service: Thread title changed... ;)

I have blocked the weekend in my calender but can not confirm anything before February... Of course I hope I can attend this event...! :)

I guess calendars work differently down under....on my 2005 calendar, the weekend falls on May 14/15.



You Americans. Haven't you heard about the International Date Line?????? You ADD a day when you fly down here - 2 days in fact when you fly United, as I did that yesterday. ;)

Seriously - sorry about the error - correct dates amended above in red. :p

I'm in, at least I hope to be.

I have a round the world ticket that ends in Sydney.
My problem is getting a good price one way ticket to Hawaii from Sydney... Unless I want to move to Sydney, tempting... :)

Sad that I'll miss this, I'll be in SYD 6/8 - 6/14. :(

Mmh... this looks tempting! As I have a school break from April 23rd to May 8th and had wanted to go to Asia anyway, I might as well head a little bit further south! :D However, the weekend that ozstamps suggested a couple of posts up would not be possible for me.

The airfare looks a little high right now from TPA. Is there much chance it will go down before then? I fly DL, NW, AA, and their partners.

I'm a definite maybe for May. :) It's time to either burn some of those QF miles or start earning some NZ ones...

If I am down in this part of the world I am in.

If I can get an award ticket, I think I'd like to come to this. We'll see.

Tempting. I was looking at this in 2004 but was in Europe the week before and was going to NZ a few weeks later so could not make it. Have done 2 weekend trips to SYD and MEL while in NZ and interesting in a longer trip back..

Put me down as a maybe.

...So, let's take a stab at the weekend of May 13/14/15.

Any input on other dates in May that could suit others better are welcomed. :D


I realize of course you can't keep everyone happy all the time. I'd like to attend this, but this one weekend in May is not good for me. Any possibility of any of the other weekends in May? :)

Count me and my better half in for this one. A bit easier since we both live here now :cool:

Anyhow, I have to do a Circle Pacific biz trip next April that will either begin or end in Oz and for actual work reasons, I can't realistically START the trip before about April 25. So gee, I might be able to get there if it were held around this time!


So please throw in some actual May weekend dates that DO work for you folks if 13/14/15 do not as in this case and as per airoli, restlessinRNO posts etc. We can't mind read. :D

Makes little difference for those who live here WHICH May weekend. but we want to have broad consensus if possible, and then ralfkrippner can hopefully change thread heading to a specific weekend.




While it may be a bit naive of me to ask this, is "Oz" in this case shorthand for "Sydney?"

"OZ" is the widely used term here for "Australia". Our dearly beloved little cousins in New Zealand for instance have never learned to say the word "Australia" (too many vowels to mangle in one word!?) and use the word "OZ" exclusively in all useage. i.e. 'Ozzies whitewash our pathetic cricketers' or 'OZ wins the Rugby yet again'. :p

The "OzFest" term was coined by spiff who started the initial thread last year, and the name seems to have stuck. There is of course only one great city in Australia, and that is where it is being held. You have our blessing to call it 'Australia-Fest' or 'Sydney-Fest' however. Or volunteer to host one in Alice Springs of course - or Tasmania. ;)

"OZ" is the widely used term here for "Australia". Our dearly beloved little cousins in New Zealand for instance have never learned to say the word "Australia" (too many vowels to mangle in one word!?) and use the word "OZ" exclusively in all useage.

Nothing to do with vowels. For example we have a place called this

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakit anatahu

and other tongue-twisters. Oz is called Oz because we cant be bothered saying West Island :p

Yes, father OzStamps, I knew "Oz" was shorthand for either Australia or an Australian TV prison, but it's a big country and I wanted to verify you meant Sydney.

Let me be more precise in choosing my words, something that is apparently key when speaking to Australians. :) May 13/14/15 works fine for me if I know about it sufficiently in advance to plan my circle Pacific trip counter-clockwise. I will schedule the meeting I chair in Melbourne around that time, a decision that has to be taken early next week. So I am just going to assume that weekend is the one.

There is a convention that some of the staff in my department will be attending May 11-15. So I could go down on my hands and knees and beg for that weekend off work, and still not be successful. (Of course, I'll do that if I have to. :) ) Any of the other weekends in May would work fine for me. Especially May 28-29, since May 30 is a holiday here - Memorial Day).

I decided to enter some dates in united.com SFO-SYD. Shock! Horror! For weekday travel, with minimum 7 day stay :eek: $1,393. Now I know why all the mileage runs are to SIN! Is this the usual price of coach tickets SFO/LAX - SYD?

restlessinRNO - the UA $700-800 web specials are not uncommon but you can't upgrade those of course. $1300 is about usual AFAIK. Dig up a '15% off Friends Plus' cert off Coupon Connection maybe? @:-)

You like weekend May 28/9 - and as it is a USA holiday others may too, so the travel back can be on a vacation day. But if we opt for that are you definite, or does it still depend on airfare price? Tough to plan toward a "maybe' weekend for someone.

RichardInSF is near to planning a meeting around May 13/15 dates as you can see.

Any weekend works for me - it is up to our visitors to offer alternates that suit them, and we can then pick the most preferred weekend in May.

Over to the likely visitors to their input.

I am flying 27,000 miles in the next week, and will seldom see a computer, so will let this thread have some other inputs added. :D

Firm up the dates, Mates & I'll do my best to be around when there's HP and that great Aussie Shiraz flowing! May 13/14/15 is okay, or other May weekends as long as the dates get set... I've already booked up travel for Jan-April and am getting May into my calendar.

We checked every possibity for an award ticket using either UA or AS miles (well in biz or fist) and found nothing for May.

Neither of us fancies a trip to SYD in coach, so unless something opens up, we are out. :(

Too bad, we really want to see Australia.

Punki, C or F award tickets and upgrades are always VERY tough to get on the SFO/LAX-SYD UA route thanks to the UA/Qantas duopoly. They often tend to open up very close to flight time.

Trying ANZ through Auckland on a *A award might be another possibility, and maybe Air Canada through HNL, but I bet they're tough too.

We checked every possibity for an award ticket using either UA or AS miles (well in biz or fist) and found nothing for May.

Given that the date has not yet been determined, you're saying that you checked every permutation of departure date, return date, routing, and airline (UA and AS have many redemption partners, no?) and found nothing. Yeah, right! I say you haven't been looking hard enough. :p

FewMiles..

Punki, C or F award tickets and upgrades are always VERY tough to get on the SFO/LAX-SYD UA route thanks to the UA/Qantas duopoly. They often tend to open up very close to flight time.

Trying ANZ through Auckland on a *A award might be another possibility, and maybe Air Canada through HNL, but I bet they're tough too.

Agree. UA have just about opened up a twice daily service to LAX on several days a week, and that will ease things geatly when that 3rd service starts. And late May is nowhere near school vacations - another good pointer.

I think I read AC will start flying YVR-SYD direct soon? (i.e. no HNL stop) If that is correct the short land trip from SEA-YVR via car or Amtrak will probably be faster for you than a flight connext via SFO or LAX? And save all those USA air fees and taxes. @:-)

And If using air NZ they shoul.d have their brand new Biz seats in place come May - a la the Virgin Upper Class design. ^

Ozstamps, who all flies into SYD, and from where? The people at Qantas said that the only airlines they knew of were Qantas, United and Air New Zealand. We were even looking at routing through Asia, alas, with no luck.

Driving to Canada isn't an option, but we certainly might fly there.

We are certainly open for suggestions.

We checked every possibity for an award ticket using either UA or AS miles (well in biz or fist) and found nothing for May.

Neither of us fancies a trip to SYD in coach, so unless something opens up, we are out. :(

Too bad, we really want to see Australia.
For the last ozfest (May 2004), I booked a UA award to Oz in Biz class about a month prior to the outbound flight. That's when Saver awards in Biz on the dates I wanted opened up. Award inventory was changing VERY dynamically from day to day. Looks like some kind of yield management algorithm in play.

Especially May 28-29, since May 30 is a holiday here - Memorial Day).This weekend would work very well for me as we get a four-day weekend with the addition of Lincoln's Birthday (Don't Ask) No other weekend in May seems to be possible.

And If using air NZ they shoul.d have their brand new Biz seats in place come May - a la the Virgin Upper Class design. ^

Its possible but I wouldnt count on it. Expected first route is AKL-SFO around June.

March is out of the question for me but I see that consensus is May anyway. Depends on what fares I can get from UA but I can fly coach, I'm tiny.



Thanks to Spiff for commencing and naming the "OzFest 2004" thread last year ... but sadly not being able to get there himself in the end. :(

The late May weekend did proceed, and was a hassle free success. We had a few folks fly in from New Zealand - two from Canada, many from USA, 2 or 3 from Germany, from England, various states of Australia .... and Chris Reid flew in 12,500 miles from Scotland just for the weekend. It was a very pleasant group of folks from all over the globe - most of whom had never met.

In summary - we had a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise on Friday after drinks and nibbles in our suite. Due to Shareholder's good eyesight and dmfriedman's good talking we somehow conned the cruise into accepting free bottle of wine coupons for the entire group - after we'd used other coupons to cut $30 off each cruise ticket. Our total drinks account for the evening was $2.50 for 2 tables of FT'ers. ^

We took a sensational "tarmac tour" on Saturday morning all around the grounds of the Sydney airport, and had lunch afterwards high up at the Observation Deck overlooking the airport and runways - first time they had ever served meals up there.

Then 4 of the Qantas Platinum Elites led by a very determined QFWP managed to talk all of us still around (about 20 folks?) into the Qantas Club for free booze and food for another couple of hours. :)

We had dinner that night right on Darling Harbour in a seafood restaurant, after drinks and food in Dave's Presidential Suite. Once again a bunch of Entertainment Book coupons meant we walked out of there paying a pittance for food and drinks - $A20 ($US15) a head covering food and drinks and tips for dinner, on a Saturday night in a prime central location on the water. ;)

Randy had mailed down a bunch of FT goodies and these were distributed when courier Kathy remembered to bring them. :) (Thanks again Randy!)

Sunday we hired a private bus and spent the day in Hunter Valley visiting a number of wineries, and everyone came back loaded down with wines and goodies.

We had pre-dinner gatherings in both my suite Friday and dmfriedman's on Saturday, and the Four Points Darling Harbour as everyone discovered was superbly central, and very inexpensive - running only a few 1000 Starwood miles a night for those wanting award stays. Most stayed there. A 3 night stay runs only 10,000 Starwood miles in total and there is generally availability. Also the totally re-built Sydney Hilton will be up and running in May - first time it has been open in years.

In between, the ever useful Entertainment Books saved a couple folks about $90 each for Blue Mountains day tours etc, etc.

The event ran smoothly nearly entirely due to Joh's meticulous European organisational skills. Everyone was able to book and pre-pay for events in the week before via credit cards, thus earning them miles, avoiding currency hassles, and ensuring the rest of us were not in for any financial surprises with no-shows or cancellations. There were no usual FT Doo squabbles over who drank or ate what etc, as for most things we had arranged fixed price deals that covered all food and drink, and that seemed to work well.

It was the first ever Flyertalk "Dooo" in the southern hemisphere, and everyone who attended seemed to enjoy it. :-:

Here is Joh's comprehensive summary of the event:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2854467&postcount=329

OK .... down to business. At the Dusseldorf Doo Four in June a number of folks there seemed keen to try and make it for 2005 if we organised one. Punki and Hunki needed to cancel their First Class awards at the eleventh hour and were really sorry they needed to.

Spiff I know still wants to come he claims, and needs to burn some Qantas upgrades before they expire. I recall SkiAdcock and even Bernie were interested if work and timing allowed. And Wingless might even talk auh20 into a trip down under to try some REAL beer. :D

As all who attended can confirm, the weather in May was superb. Could not have asked for a better temperature range.

The logical time to have another gathering seems to be about that time of year - or earlier to be sure of nicer weather. In Australia the time to AVOID coming is during any school holiday period as all hotel rates go right UP, and all cheap internal airfares (and ALL awards) are pretty much blocked out - see this for 2005 dates:

http://www.oztourism.com.au/ozhols.htm

So this thread is to gauge interest or otherwise for Oz Fest 2005.

I have edited this post to add that concensus seems to be pointing to MAY 2005 .. so add your thoughts please.

Please add your comments and possible interest and suggestions below ......

--------------------------------

Ozstamps, who all flies into SYD, and from where? The people at Qantas said that the only airlines they knew of were Qantas, United and Air New Zealand. We were even looking at routing through Asia, alas, with no luck.

Driving to Canada isn't an option, but we certainly might fly there.

We are certainly open for suggestions.

Well Qantas staff should learn these 2 new words - AIR CANADA perhaps? ;)

Seeing you and Hunki have a few billion UA miles why are you talking to QF?

And if the short drive for some reason you do not want to do, as you know I took Amtrak from SEA 2 weeks ago to YVR and it was the most pleasant short rail trip of my life. No security madness or checks, nice business type recliner seats, movie on all the way, great staff, nice food and beverages, and a wonderful scenic coast hugging trip, a breeze at customs, and cost was $30 each way, and duration only an hour or 2 IIRC. They also had a First Class type cabin I did not know about til I checked in that sounded even better.

Seeing you are in SEA that ride as I mentioned would be shorter for you driving to SEATAC, taking the terminal train, messing round with check-in, negotiating security and nonsense. And the BOMB of taxes, both American and Canadian a puddle jump SEA-YVR is gonna cost you. :)

Hey hey! Punki has just burned some miles and found two Business RT seats on UA to SYD, departing on 26th and returning on the 31st via Air New Zealand via Auckland.
So, at least we'll be there for the party.
I couldn't talk her into a longer trip. So, it'll be a barn-burner of a stay. :D

FWIW, I've set up my Melb meeting for May 11/12 so I could be there either the weekend of May 7 or 14. If it's later than that, I'll miss the DO, but not to worry, Sydney is a great city to spend the weekend in under any circumstances!

Vanouver-SYD nonstop sounds like a stretch for anything except that new Airbus. But there are worse things than landing in HNL anyhow! I've taken the SYD-HNL AC flight and except for the walkers used by the flight attendants blocking the aisles now and then, it was a very pleasant trip.

Well SYD-YVR they do direct starting this week and saves 5 hours and US customs fees and hassles it seems:

Non stop Sydney, Australia - Vancouver

Effective December 16, Air Canada offers double daily service between Vancouver and Australia with the introduction of the first ever non-stop flight* from SYD to YVR, saving almost 5 hours flying time and eliminating the need for US customs clearance and transit visas

What a shame RichardInSF that the date has ping-ponged around a little in May. Maybe with 6 months notice you can cunningly wiggle it back a week or so? ;)

It does certainly looks like from the posts in past 2 weeks that the Friday May 27, Saturday May 28 and Sunday May 29 weekend works best of most folks from the USA as Monday May 30 is a holiday there - Memorial Day.

So if anyone flies back Monday 30th, you arrive in USA Monday, so time to get yourself home and all organised and unpacked and an early night without missing a working day.

And do please remember for the North American folks that to arrive HERE May 27, you need to depart USA May 25, due to date line. A lot of visitors do not factor that in. :)

^ So, I will now duly ask Moderator Ralf to please amend thread heading to now read May 27/29. ^

Oz, can you please add it to the calendar? Thanx

Well SYD-YVR they do direct starting this week and saves 5 hours and US customs fees and hassles it seems:

Non stop Sydney, Australia - Vancouver

Effective December 16, Air Canada offers double daily service between Vancouver and Australia with the introduction of the first ever non-stop flight* from SYD to YVR, saving almost 5 hours flying time and eliminating the need for US customs clearance and transit visas

Interesting. Two random facts: the flight is with "that new Airbus plane," the A340, and it will only be nonstop FROM Sydney to Vancouver -- apparently going against the wind, it's too far even for the A340.

About the DO, May 30 is a holiday in both the U.S. and U.K. I can't move the committee meeting to around then since many participants want to be home with their families and hence wouldn't want to travel just before or after the long holiday weekend. So I'm out, but will try to get there next time. Enjoy!

...
So, I will now duly ask Moderator Ralf to please amend thread heading to now read May 27/29.

At your service... :)

Kiwi Flyer - done. Never knew such a calendar existed to be honest!

ralfkrippner - ^ ^ - hope that weekend works for you THIS year? :)

RichardInSF - Phooey ..... we will need to have a mini pre-OzFest meet then. ;)

So for everyone else, seeing a weekend date looks pretty much set now, can I ask you to chime in with whether you are likely to be one of these categories:

Definite
Definite Maybe
Absolute Longshot

and I'll start a little bit of a checklist of handles here. @:-)

So far the only 'Definites' I can see that have posted so far for these dates are:



Definite

ozstamps
Punki and Hunki
Magic 111 (Jerrie is a "Maybe" but added here to keep together!)

Definite Maybe

Snoopyo
Leumas
KathyWdrf
Kiwi Flyer
restlessinRNO
qasr
perthite
serfty

OK, mark me down as a "definite maybe." ;)

I probably won't make the final decision until March or April though. :eek:

I would love to join you again next year but the last weekend in May probably won't work for me. :(
Any chance for an earlier weekend?

Put me down as a definite maybe.

Wonder if there's any chance the Hilton will be ready for this OZFest05?

Wonder if there's any chance the Hilton will be ready for this OZFest05?

105%.

Join the Hilton Diamond Club for $A250 and get 3 nights in a suite there for $A115 a night inc taxes! And a ton of other bennies too inc AKL Hilton. Good for a year.

cathaana - be great to see you again! The last couple pages we asked folks input on WHICH part of May suited everyone best.

Hmmmm, I think the roll call should be moved to post #1. Kind of hard to find, for those who don't already know it's in post #72. ;)

ozstamps - Thank you for deciding to choose May 27-29 weekend. For those of us in the USA, this allows us to travel back on the Memorial Day holiday Monday. (Of course I realize this is not too meaningful for folks living in say Europe.) I've never been to Australia and will make every effort to attend. When I complained in an earlier post about the cost SFO-SYD (compared to say SFO-SIN), I was merely commenting. I will certainly hand over $1400 to UA if I have to. All I can say, they better allow me to upgrade to the UD! :)

ozstamps - Thank you for deciding to choose May 27-29 weekend. For those of us in the USA, this allows us to travel back on the Memorial Day holiday Monday. (Of course I realize this is not too meaningful for folks living in say Europe.)

I was not my decision, but the majority vote from those coming from overseas that chose that weekend. :)

And as RichardinSF has posted above, it is not only a holiday in the USA, but he says May 30 is also a holiday in the UK, so as we had a few Brits fly out for Oz Fest #1, that will be a useful travel day for them too perhaps?

Does anybody know anything about Air New Zealand's first class product?

Its okay but dont expect SQ or CX standard.

Available on 744 (ie not on the flights which go via the south pacific islands) SFO-AKL, LAX-AKL, LAX-CHC routes only (although some other routes can snag the F seats but business service) - and only until the long-haul refurbishment. This starts after OzFest and will take a year to roll out.

Seats are old and dont recline fully flat. A bag under the footrest works wonders though. Seat is big and soft foam.

Acres of space with only 12 seats.

Food is great, as are the wines and service. Get personal DVD and selection of about 20 movies, or can use the same PTVs (and same 9 channels) as NZ's business class.

No PJs but otherwise amentities ok. Lounge at LAX is same as business (may change by May as being refurbished), at SFO uses UA F lounge. SYD and AKL both have NZ F lounge - very nice.

I'm planning to be back in SYD mid May, and was going to leave back to the US on the 25th. I should be able to move my flight to the other side of the weekend though :)

You can put me on the definite list.
Have gotten an MH award in First

Got you both. ^

Magic111 -- no Jerrie for this one?

Malaysian First is superb. Caviar, 1995 Dom (not that you'll appreciate that!) truffles, filet carved by 3 girls at your seat etc, and everyone at ALL times remebering your name. In KUL F lounge they have little rooms like motel rooms you can sleep in.

Are you doing that award ex the USA via Europe and Asia? Anyone from 'anywhere USA' who wants to do the trip the same way please talk to me ..... there are ways to do this for remarkably low cost if you talk to the right folks. And have a stopover each way if you wish. coff. ;)

Got you both. Magic111 -- no Jerrie for this one?

Malaysian First is superb. Caviar, 1995 Dom (not that you'll appreciate that!) truffles, filet carved by 3 girls at your seat etc, and everyone at ALL times remebering your name. In KUL F lounge they have little rooms like motel rooms you can sleep in.

Are you doing that award ex the USA via Asia? Anyone from 'anywhere USA' who wants to do the trip the same way please talk to me ..... there are ways to do this for remerkably low cost if you talk to the right folks. coff. ;)Jerrie can not make up her mine as to whether to go or be in an art show at that time - but she has not made up her mind completely yet and may still decide to go.

I am doing the trip ex US using NW miles - needed to burn the miles prior to the coming increase after the first of the year but am interested in hearing of the remerkably (sic) low cost.

I was agonizing over flying Air New Zealand all the way--the thought of no flat bed in first was not appealing. Before I confirmed, I just thought I would ask about UA first and BINGO! All of a sudden seats had opened up--both ways.

Yeah!

Might be a good time to check with UA if there is interest.

Great heads-up Punki ... you really would not have enjoyed the Air NZ seats versus UA Sleeper Suites .. not to mention the extra taxes, and hours extra time flying via NZ. :mad:

Book centre row 4 is my tip to you.

From a thread on the UA board this weekend it seems UA has opended up a TON of saver C and F seats for mid 2005.

So all those like Kathy etc planning on using miles to come down, there will never be a better time to lock in those award seats at the cheap rate. ^

Had a few folks ask me what the deal was with the Hilton Diamond Club.

Just phoned the Hilton Diamond Club Admin manager to sign someone up using me as a referral. I get a bottle of bubbly in room when I stay, for each person that signs via me, so this project is VERY close to my heart. :)

The deal covers the Hiltons in ADL, BNE, CNS, MEL (city and airport) PER, SYD and often AKL. There a a ton of vouchers in each pack. All good for a year from when you join up.

She pointed out the STANDARD sign-up deal for anyone they cold-canvass themselves does NOT include the $A55 night or $A110 guaranteed Junior Suite deal. They use the $A120 a night deal vouchers (of which you get 2) for any OZ Hilton property as the big selling attraction to normal cold-call prospects. (I just checked Hilton On The Park MEL for late Jan and best rate is $A325 plus 10% GST = $357.50, and SYD Hilton will be somewhat higher I imagine. So using just that one voucher more than covers annual membership.)

These $A55 nights ($US41 inc all taxes!) were supposedly a special offer for all "charter" members who renewed, of which I appear to be one.

HOWEVER when I pressed her as to whether anyone referred by me would get the same voucher in their kit, she noted my file to say they would do that for them.

So it seems if I refer anyone to join you get the $A55 a night voucher, plus the 2 x $A120 vouchers (all INCLUDE GST and the $120s are fully transferrable) and all the other in-room and restaurant dining vouchers, and $US30 a room Asian Hilton ones etc, (which are also FULLY transferrable) and health club passes etc.

I can't see why if you were in 1 property for 3 nights like the OzFest weekend in Late May:

You could not use the Suite upgrade voucher for night #1 and the $A120 vouchers for other 2 nights? Would save $600-$700 off cheapest rates I imagine on a 3 day stay and be assured of a great room? The $A248 annual membership (tax included) then readily pays for itself.

There are also a couple of "upgrade to Junior Suite for $A99" vouchers fully transferable, good for any Oz based Hilton. There are also "Weekend Indulgence" vouchers for a Hilton room, 2 dinners, and 2 breakfasts. Also fully transferrable. Also a pile of "50% off vouchers" are not so exciting - being around $A200 a night fixed $$$ rate - but that rate INCLUDES GST, and each is good for 4 night stays if needed. So is still way lower than lowest web rate.

There are also 2 x cards you can give to friends that are staying Hilton that give them the 20% off ANY Hilton published or promotional accom. rates on OZ/NZ (even via discounters like wotif.com.au) 20% off all room charges, 50% off 2 guests dining, or 25% off 1 person dining, 33% off 3 persons dining etc, 25% off 4 people dining etc. I have found these in the past can save $75-$100 on a table of 4 VERY readily. (Diamond Club members get all these dining % off bennies anyway by showing their card.)

As an humorous aside I handed over my very swish platinum coloured 'Diamond Club' card when checking into a Hilton property in the USA last month, as I'd left my normal Gold HH card at home in the rush to pack. It says valid to November 2005, and member since 2002 on it. Clerk said: "Wow I have never seen this one before". I said: "It is an Australia/Asia thing I think" and he very cheerfully upgraded me to something VERY nice out of the goodness of his heart. And this was on a Priceline $34 a night booking. ;) Card has a Hilton Honors logo right on it. ;)

Many of the offers say no Hilton points will be earned, but last year when I stayed that was not an issue, and normal points accrued for me. Checking out and having them enter HH # into booking at that point usually is the way around that.

Anyway contact me if interested, and I'll pass on to your name and phone and email of the contact lady in there - ozstamps at ozemail.com.au

Definite Maybe.

Won't be able to confirm (or deny for that matter) until closer to the weekend.

please include me here.

I've had a look and there are plenty of MEL-SYD red e-deals available around then so I can get a return for under A$150 at the moment.

I'll need to confirm travel dates etc, but as I need to visit SYD at least once a month, this should not be a problem.

Won't be able to make it this year. I have a major South American award trip booked and have already changed it once. But I am sure things will go splendidly second time around...I'll make it back another time.

Its okay but dont expect SQ or CX standard.

Available on 744 (ie not on the flights which go via the south pacific islands) SFO-AKL, LAX-AKL, LAX-CHC routes only (although some other routes can snag the F seats but business service) - and only until the long-haul refurbishment. This starts after OzFest and will take a year to roll out.

Seats are old and dont recline fully flat. A bag under the footrest works wonders though. Seat is big and soft foam.

Acres of space with only 12 seats.

Food is great, as are the wines and service. Get personal DVD and selection of about 20 movies, or can use the same PTVs (and same 9 channels) as NZ's business class.

No PJs but otherwise amentities ok. Lounge at LAX is same as business (may change by May as being refurbished), at SFO uses UA F lounge. SYD and AKL both have NZ F lounge - very nice.


I took NZ down last year in First [using TG across the Tasman], and quite honestly now regret using the extra miles to do so. Not sure the extras were really worth 40K more than the Business award. UA is much better in First, which is the only other STAR option as anything routed through the North Pacific falls afoul of the MPM rule and one can only get to PER or ADL if using SQ, NH or TG via their home hubs. [And none either fly to those cities or fly there with aircraft configured with First Class cabins.]

NZ's level of service, unfortunately, has been so eclipsed by that of SQ and NH, so it is a real come down. They can't reconfigure to their new J/C soon enough. I don't write this lightly, because I so wanted to renew some of the good rep I had from taking NZ back in the 80s when it's front cabin was one of the best in the world. Food this time was worse than mediocre J/C meals, particular ex-LAX. Wines not well presented at all by a lack lustre crew. Seats are too intimate if the one next to you is occupied by a stranger. And they had very poor selection of DVDs to go with the player. Lounge was a zoo at LAX, though better at AKL and SYD. Boarding at AKL was chaotic, though First Class check in is handled at a separate pavilion beside the main check-in desks. Still, I found the reception and service most perfunctory.

How quickly things go south.

Gave NW a call since my award still had not been ticketed yet.They claim that MH did not give up the award seats for the going just the return and there was no availability for about a 10 day span going. Who wants to bet that a lot of availability will show up after the 1st of the year when the award rises by 30% :mad:

Hi,
unless something happens Ill be there for some of the fest. :cool:

If all works well, I will be coming from a long trip in NZ, do the south coast of Australia (MEL to SYD) in May and be able to make it to the Oz Fest.

OK.. got you both ... Tinky - I put you down as a "Definite." ;)

Listed below are the folks who have indicated a likelihood to attend and have posted so after December 12, when the May 27/29 date was decided upon.

It is a Memorial Day public holiday in the USA Monday 30th, so for anyone flying home you do it on your vacation time. Remember if you LEAVE Sydney on the afternoon of Monday May 30, you ARRIVE in the USA on the morning of Monday May 30. Tons of time to get home, unpack, have an early night and get organised for a day at the office next day etc.

So for everyone else, seeing a date is set in concrete now, can I ask you to chime in with whether you are likely to be one of these categories:

Definite
Definite Maybe
VERY Maybe, Maybe

And I'll start a little bit of a checklist of handles here. @:-)

So far the only 'Definites' I can see that have posted so far since December 12 for these dates are, in order of committing:


Definite

ozstamps and Lynn
Punki and Hunki
serfty
tinybelle
QF WP

Definite Maybe

Snoopyo
Leumas
KathyWdrf
Magic 111 (Jerrie is a "VERY Maybe" but listed here to keep them together!)
Kiwi Flyer
restlessinRNO
qasr
perthite
apirchik
Kurwah
wahooflyer
RichardMEL
QFBoy
nor4
luftaom


VERY Maybe, Maybe

peachfront
--------------------------------

Any of the many who expressed some sort of interest on this thread BEFORE December 12 please now confirm on thread if these dates fit in, and I'll add you to this running attendee list if they do

I've booked flights and (interim) accom in Fri & out Sun night (8pm).

Oz you need to change me to a 'definite maybe' as MH would not ticket my award and I will have to wait and see if something will open up in the future.

A little off topic (sorry) - what is the weather like in the south coast (MEL - SYD) on the month of May?

I'm interested but I won't be flying on an award ticket and it's a bit too soon to see if I can get a cheap fare.

Magic 111 - I did email you about Malaysian First Class via Europe and Asia but got no reply.

apirchik - June 1 is the start of 'winter' in Australia. Last OzFest in May we had superb weather. But think typically a 65º type day is more normal and anything sunnier is a bonus. MEL is always a tad chiller and more overcast than SYD. Which is why the smart folks live here - not there. ;)

peachfront ... have you down now as Maybe, Maybe - please update us if things firm up. :)

"Maybe, maybe" sounds like a pretty good description of the situation as it stands. I'll let you know either way when I know myself!

peachfront ... have you down now as Maybe, Maybe - please update us if things firm up. :)[/QUOTE]

Magic 111 - I did email you about Malaysian First Class via Europe and Asia but got no reply.

I replied to your email on 12/22 saying that I was interested in hearing what information you had. I believe that European routing means that I would have to leave syd on Sunday to get home to sfo on Monday.

It gets real tricky with NW permissable routings. In fact to get lax-kul I can not depart from sfo. An sfo departure sends me in nw business to nrt before I can get into MH 1st. Anyway am still interested in your info so just send it instead of just sending me another email asking me to email you again for the information :confused:

Put me down as a definite maybe. ^
Please.

Kurwah - gotcha. ^

Magic 111 - never received it sorry. And I discuss NOTHING confidential, ever, via FT EM/PM as I believe it can be read by others.

Yes, of course flying from OZ-Asia-Europe-western USA takes quite some time as it is basically a RTW flight. Welcome to the end of the earth. Trick is to take a stopover each way IMHO. ;)

Wow...I'm just catching up with all the latest CommunityBuzz and Sydney for Memorial Day sounds great! Put me down as a definite maybe. I don't have plans for Memorial Day weekend and will probably be living in the LAX area at that time---making it easy to get to SYD on the UA nonstop.

To get a relatively low fare ($1240 all in) I'll have to leave Tuesday 5/24 and return Tuesday 5/31. Shouldn't be a problem. I'll post when I've actually booked my tickets.

Put me down in the maybe bucket. late May is too far off for me to confirm anything other than an interest :)

Oooh, an excuse to fly down to Sydney!! :D

Put me up as a Definite Maybe please.

I would love to meet and chat to some of the more 'experienced' FT's!!!

BTW, how old is everyone, anyone else in the 18-25 age bracket???? Just asking... :D

Thanks

QFBoy

Put me up as a Definite Maybe please.

I would love to meet and chat to some of the more 'experienced' FT's!!!

BTW, how old is everyone, anyone else in the 18-25 age bracket???? Just asking... :D



Done. :D

Age? Well having met a good number of those on the list above, it is fair to say there is a very wide age spread. ^

A few of the visitors would not need to produce ID to get their Senior's Card Discount is my guess, and there are a few I suspect who WOULD often be asked for age ID to legally buy a beer. ;)

In summary, folks from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, but all of whom enjoy talking miles and points and upgrades etc. :p

A few of the visitors would not need to produce ID to get their Senior's Card Discount is my guess, and there are a few I suspect who WOULD often be asked for age ID to legally buy a beer. ;)

Dunno what happened while I was away but just in the short time back home I have been asked for ID twice (many years since I was young enough to actually need it).

BTW, Hilton just emailed me to say as far as they're aware (or at least willing to publicly mention), Sydney Hilton will be open by 1 April 2005.

Originally posted by Ozstamps:

A few of the visitors would not need to produce ID to get their Senior's Card Discount

Well, if you are talking about me, Mr. (You wish you could be in so good as shape as I) Ozstamps, I will have you know that I did have to show my ID to get the senior discount breakfast at a roadside cafe in Illinois last summer. :D :D :D

Punki ... I was not naming names .... you dobbed yourself in, as we say down here. ;)

I may have been thinking of Magic111 - and I am sure Jim would agree he might need to cast his mind back quite a whiles to recall his 40th Birthday. :D

And I have met another attendee serfty, who I do not think attends many rap and hip-hop concerts these days. :cool:

But to respond more accurately to QFBoy's query, we did have a good handful of folks at first OzFest that I imagine were in or close to the age group 18-25. But then I'd need to cast MY mind back a long ways to remember being either.

Anyone with hair looks young to me these days. :D

Punki ... And I have met another attendee serfty, who I do not think attends many rap and hip-hop concerts these days. :cool: Hey , I resemble that :p ..

The last concert I attended was Julio Igleases (sp?), a Birthday pressie for Mrs Serfty. IIRC before that it was SkyHooks !

That doesn't stop me from playing a few LP's now and then of Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, The Stones and even :confused: Abba!

Ozstamps writes:

Anyone with hair looks young to me these days.

Is this concern about hair a new issue? (http://www.punki.photosite.com/Dusseldorf/DUS2004/aoz.html) :confused:

ozstamps, sorry it has taken me so long to read Community and put my name to this one...

Consider me a definite...I'll arrange trip to SYD for work around those days.

If we are going to arrange another (popular) FT Dooo in the SYD QP after the Tarmac Tour and Lunch, may I suggest that we arrange a "QF Plat Buddy" system - that way we'll get in without the hassles of last year. We had troubles at our Xmas with people paging Rod Speed (who of course is non-existant) and really confusing the Reception staff. I'm happy to list the QF Plats and match them up with those that express an interest in the QP "tour" (well, that should be better described as quick tour [for those not familiar with the SYD QP, I'm happy to be the leader of the expedition showing it's features] followed by an extended "drinks" session).

I'm spending a couple of weeks in the ZQN vicinity in Feb, so I should be ready for another immersion alt-English course by May. Haven't been to Oz for 25 years. Have things changed? Guess I'll have to have a look see.

Put me down as a maybe while I check out fares/awards. Cheers.

I think I may have to venture down and put some names to faces. At this stage I'm not sure how things will pan out with other commitments so I think the best place for me is the maybe list.

oh man I still giggle remembering sitting in the QP waiting for everyone and hearing Rod Speed paged. I nearly dropped my HP ... several times! :D

(good idea QF WP)

Please add me as a definite maybe too. I'm looking forward to my first FT do.

Looking at flights. Will 9:30am arrival at SYD INT (no checked bags) on Sat be too late?

Put me down as a definite
Flights arranged ($40 more than for Ozfest #1)
I am a QF Plat, so can get 2 guests into the pub

Just a general question.

When are most people going home??

On SUN 29th, or MON 30th?

If I were to leave the evening of the 29th, will I miss any events etc.?? :eek: (Has a draft itinerary been made?)

Thanks

QFBoy :D

I dont think an itin has been planned as yet. If its anything like last year folk will be coming and going different days anyway. Some of us dont get the Monday off.

Just a general question.

When are most people going home??

On SUN 29th, or MON 30th?

If I were to leave the evening of the 29th, will I miss any events etc.?? :eek: (Has a draft itinerary been made?)



Last year we booked a small private bus for a tour of the Hunter Valley wine areas on the SUNDAY. Have not looked at old thread, but recall it ran about $A80 a head incl. lunch.

IIRC we got back from that early evening (maybe 6-7pm?) and then a couple USA based forks on that tour planned to visit the Sydney Aquarium using the 2 for 1 voucher and saving $25. That is open to about 10pm.

Several of the US visitors will leave Monday afternoon on UA as they then arrive in USA Monday am on a public holiday.


(VERY) ROUGH PLAN OF EVENTS

Nothing set in cement yet re times or places for May. And as Joh and I have parted ways, I may well end up being the main organiser this time round, (heaven help you all then!) but let's assume this below is a ROUGH outline for those trying to plan flights, Hotels, and days in town etc. Add your thoughts and suggestions by ALL means. :D

Friday evening
- Dinner for anyone around that night. Last year it was a Harbour cruise dinner dance on the Sir John Cadman as we got a very good rate. Also it departed from near Four Points Darling Harbour, where most folks stayed, so was readily accessible.
The idea was good, but we sat inside and that is not good for a Harbour cruise as the visitors saw little of the sights. If we go on Harbour again, I like the idea of a private yacht or something, which would only run the same $$$s a head I think.
We had drinks in our suite for an hour or more before we headed off on the cruise and this is a great way for folks to meet informally, and in a relaxed situation.

Saturday
Say about 10am - Tarmac tour - meet at domestic airport terminal for that. Most of us shared cabs from CBD or about $A5 each.

Midday or so be dropped off for lunch somewhere in airport area. The "Esky Bar" place last year was very reasonable on cost, and they gave us the upstairs Tarmac observation deck to sit, where they do not usually allow diners. And being right on top of It'l Airport meant we did not have far to go to QC. Suited our group wonderfully. I vote we do same again.

About 1.30pm - journey to Qantas Club for drinks and nibbles via our Platinum member friends for an hour or two, then have a nap if needs be at home/hotel.

Evening - dinner in city or Darling Harbour area. Last year we somehow conned a place on the Harbour, and it only cost us $A20 a head, drinks and tip included!

Anyone still standing (all of us!) retired to Dave's suite at 4 Points for more drinks, and that idea has great merit.

Sunday.
For anyone around, suggest a full day activity. Maybe lease a yacht and go sailing around the Harbour which is a superb day out if weather is nice. Moor in a quiet sheltered bay somewhere for lunch.
or - rent a small bus and visit the Blue Mountains or somewhere interesting like that.
or - take a REX or whatever 'mystery flight' into inland NSW that RichardMEL found a good deal for.
or - anything else along these lines anyone might like to suggest, if they know of good deals we can take advantage of. ;)

------------------------


Last year, after folks nominated what events they were attending, I simply charged everyone's credit card (Amex/Visa/M.Card/Diners) the day or so before we kicked off, and absorbed the merchant fees. This meant everyone got their airline miles, and best of all meant no messing about with splitting bills,as we came up with fixed prices. Dissecting for ages who had the 2 beers, who had the 3 Pepsi's, and who had the large Perrier water with 2 pieces of lemon, that cost 35¢ more than a beer etc. And then working out and having 10 minute discussions about tips, currency discussions, and then offering waiter 15 different cards to pay for lunch etc. Seemed to work well, and there were no complaints at all from anyone about this. :cool:

Many of the activities were non refundable, and needed to be paid 100% in full up front on my credit card - John Cadman Cruise, Tarmac tour, Saturday lunch, Hunter Valley day tour etc. Pre-paying for what you commit for means there is NO way the rest of us are going to be in for any nasty financial surprises with no-shows or cancellations, or the fact someone 'slept-in' etc.

I have added the Tarmac Tour to the rough plan for this year again, as simply EVERYONE here and on Qantas board has said they would like to do it again. It is a ozzie exclusive that one, and all of us being flying nuts we can all do with a double dose it seems, of close-up airport action.

Re HOTEL ... most last year stayed at Sheraton Four Points Darling Harbour, and that was meeting place central. Good rates, and very central. They are ALWAYS in the regular "Cash and points" promo deals, meaning rooms can be had for about $A60 a night inc tax + 2800 points. (Anyone with Amex can easily move points to Starwood) A real bargain for CBD. I've booked a Suite already for 3 nights. :p

Conversely the Sydney Hilton *SHOULD* be open around then, after years of renovation, but do not hold your breath on that. I imagine you could get 3 nights in a shiny new junior SUITE there for $A116 a night inc tax, if you join the Diamond Club - full details here - and you'd have a ton of tradeable and fully transferable vouchers left over too:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3511698&postcount=1


-------------------------------

Please pop me down as a definite for OzFest.

Tarmac Tour sounds excellent!

(edited because I can't spell definite!)

Since I live here :), I hope to attend selected events as I did last year...of course, meeting new faces is the most interesting part of this meet...

All Oz Fest info moved to post 152 next page. :)

For all overseas visitors, the SYD Qantas Club is like a dream, if all you have ever experienced is those worn out, beat up, packed to the rafters 1980s era US Clubs like UA's Red Carpet Clubs. A couple hours here in our own private corner is a great way to pass away the early afternoon.
I can confirm that the SYD Qantas Club is huge and magnificent. There is ample (real) food, lots of free computers with internet access, heck, even free stationery with the Qantas logo! And the "private corner" oz speaks of is cool.

However, it's a bit unfair to call UA's Red Carpet Clubs "worn out, beat up, packed to the rafters 1980s era US Clubs." Although admittedly I have not experienced ALL of the RCCs, those I HAVE visited have been beautiful, well-maintained, relatively uncrowded, and calm. The only thing they really lacked was a decent food spread.

You forgot the most important bit (for some) - the unlimited free drink* once the bar opens.


(* subject to intoxication laws)

However, it's a bit unfair to call UA's Red Carpet Clubs "worn out, beat up, packed to the rafters 1980s era US Clubs."

RCC also lack working computers of any type in ANY USA club, lack free booze, showers, lack complete newspapers after about 9am, and any hot food of any kind at any time at any club. And I am laughing about the 'packed to the rafters' denial .. you MUST be joking right? Or maybe you travel 100% outside peak times? :)

The LAX and ORD Red Carpet club - major UA gateways are disgraceful. Chicago is United's head office for goodness sake. Those lounges look like nuked out trailer parks. Air Zimbabwe, Buddha Air and Sudan Air Services all eclipse them easily. Threadbare and worn through and HEAVILY stained seat covers, and none of these lounges has changed decor wise, for 15 years. That was the 1980s correct?

I have posted such comments on the UA boards dozens of times and not one person has ever disagreed AFAIK. Hundreds HAVE agreed however. :D

And Kathy I have been inside EVERY USA RCC so I can judge it pretty objectively. The UA FIRST Class lounge in SFO is quite superb - in fairness I have said that too, but it is not a RCC.

"United Airlines Domestic Red/Gray ® Carpet Clubs - - proudly designed by Siberian minimalist style gurus, "Vladimirs Of Volgograd" and operated by Aeroflot, to the very highest Russian specifications in comfort, super-stylish design, and leading edge luxury facilities like floor coverings, running water and optional fluorescent lighting. Please bring your own booze, boorscht, all other foodstuffs, newspapers, computer, fax machine and your AT&T calling card. And don't even THINK about taking a shower, comrade." © 2005

Let's get our minds off burnt out trailer parks. We are hopefully visiting a classy QANTAS lounge. ^

[i]"United Airlines Domestic Red/Gray ® Carpet Clubs - - ...

Wow -- just as painfully unfunny now as it was the first time I read it. ^

I have posted such comments on the UA boards dozens of times and not one person has ever disagreed AFAIK. Hundreds HAVE agreed however. :D

I disagree (and don't believe for an instant that Kathy and I are the first).

"United Airlines Domestic Red/Gray ® Carpet Clubs - - proudly designed by Siberian minimalist style gurus, "Vladimirs Of Volgograd" and operated by Aeroflot, to the very highest Russian specifications in comfort, super-stylish design, and leading edge luxury facilities like floor coverings, running water and optional fluorescent lighting. Please bring your own booze, boorscht, all other foodstuffs, newspapers, computer, fax machine and your AT&T calling card. And don't even THINK about taking a shower, comrade." © 2005

You know, one of the reasons for copyrights is to prevent the sickening overexposure of a joke that was only moderately funny in the first place. Also, do you really go out of your way you update it each year since:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=854691&highlight=comrade#post854691


"United Airlines Red Carpet Clubs - - proudly designed and operated by Aeroflot, to the highest Russian specifications in comfort, stylish design, and leading edge luxury facilites like carpet, running water and flourescent lighting. Please bring your own booze, boorscht, all other foodstuffs, newspapers and computer. And don't even THINK about having a shower, comrade." © 2001

(BTW, here is a thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=857312&highlight=comrade#post857312) in which many disagreed with you regarding the RCC. You even argue with one of the posters and ask if he's ever been to an SQ domestic lounge. :rolleyes: )

I'll be a WP by then (and if I turn up, of course). I'm pretty close in deciding, the New Years fare sales is still on. I'm just deciding on what days I'll be there (closely monitoring KiwiFlyer's question) - I'm thinking of arriving on Saturday morning (in time for the Tarmac Tour), then leave on Sunday afternoon/evening, so I can be back in NZ for Monday. What's your thinking, KF?

A QF Gold can access the lounge and can bring in one guest, I think. However, everyone has to be flying, I think, or at least the QF Gold has to be. Obviously, there may be a nice Aussie at Reception to let you in, but it's probably safe to not rely on Golds.

Just a general question...When are most people going home?? ... On SUN 29th, or MON 30th? ... If I were to leave the evening of the 29th, will I miss any events etc.?? :eek: (Has a draft itinerary been made?) ... Thanks ...
QFBoy :DFWIW, I'm out of there on QF188 Sunday evening & to maximize my comforts for departure :p, I need to be at SYD airport around 6PM. I'm arriving QF187 Fri 27th at about 1:30PM, Should be in Hotel by 2:30PM.

Ozstamps, put me down as a maybe. I will still be PLAT until June 05 so I should be able to help out there as well.

I'll be a WP by then (and if I turn up, of course). I'm pretty close in deciding, the New Years fare sales is still on. I'm just deciding on what days I'll be there (closely monitoring KiwiFlyer's question) - I'm thinking of arriving on Saturday morning (in time for the Tarmac Tour), then leave on Sunday afternoon/evening, so I can be back in NZ for Monday. What's your thinking, KF?

A QF Gold can access the lounge and can bring in one guest, I think. However, everyone has to be flying, I think, or at least the QF Gold has to be. Obviously, there may be a nice Aussie at Reception to let you in, but it's probably safe to not rely on Golds.

Thanks Leumas ...... well fingers crossed you do turn up then ;)

If that is correct re Golds, we are home and hosed I think, as I can see several on the list are QF Gold. I love the words "fully refundable tickets". ;) Many are the lounges I've entered via those. doc and I spent hours at the (rather superb compared to UA I must admit) CO President's Club in NYC last month courtesy one of those tickets. (I was actually flying UA that afternoon.)

I did address Kiwi Flyer's question by private mail a few day's back and think you'll be fine timing wise, for a number of reasons. Maybe take the same flight? I'll pass that response on to you too. :)

No, I'm not joking about the RCCs I've visited NOT being packed to the rafters. The ones I've visited include: SFO (both domestic and international), JFK domestic, NRT, FRA, HKG (new airport), SYD, and maybe a few others that I can't recall at the moment. (I've been in some other clubs where I don't recall offhand whether it was an RCC or a club operated by another Star Alliance partner.)

I have NEVER visited the RCCs at LAX or ORD. I'll take your word for those (and probably others) being rundown. But all the ones I HAVE visited have been recently built or refurbished, clean, and not unbearably crowded. Anyhow, my point is simply that it is unfair to characterize ALL of the RCCs as "worn out, beat up, packed to the rafters 1980s era US Clubs." It is evident that only SOME of them could possibly fit that description. @:-)

I have NEVER visited the RCCs at LAX or ORD. I'll take your word for those (and probably others) being rundown.

Well as they say, "life is full of learning experiences". Trust me. Both are burnt out trailer parks. I'll be in both later this week -- I'll take photos if you wish. ;)

And IAD is nothing to write home about either, folks concur today:

RCC is a joke. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3604305#post3604305)

Anyway back to THIS thread, it is the Qantas Club we hope to vist for OzFest, and there is no comparison by ANY yardstick between that, and ANY domestic United RCC.

I'll be a WP by then (and if I turn up, of course). I'm pretty close in deciding, the New Years fare sales is still on. I'm just deciding on what days I'll be there (closely monitoring KiwiFlyer's question) - I'm thinking of arriving on Saturday morning (in time for the Tarmac Tour), then leave on Sunday afternoon/evening, so I can be back in NZ for Monday. What's your thinking, KF?

Thats what I did last year and probably again this year, except took midday flight (arrives late afternoon) rather than evening - had far too many night time flights in the last couple of years.

Well as they say, "life is full of learning experiences". Trust me.


Actually, that would not be a good idea in this case.


Both are burnt out trailer parks. I'll be in both later this week -- I'll take photos if you wish. ;)

Please do. "Burnt out trailer park" might be a bit of hyperbole; we can all be the judge. Kathy et al,