Aussie Disneyland Planners come on in and lets plan together :)

[Andona]

OK licence question: I cant remember if we got an international one last time or not. Are we OK to just drive on our Aussie licences?

An International Drivers licence is optional for the USA . We took one last time ( but not the trip before) only because we'd read a few stories about people having problems when they were pulled over in some areas.

It doesn't cost much ( you usually get a discount if you're a member of an auto club like the NRMA) and gives us a little extra peace of mind, especially when doing a long road trip.

Andona

 

[Jade+3]

No, tomorrow morning
I'm so not organised!

You must be going to have a busy day. I had a dream last night that I was at the airport and remembered I had not redirected our mail, or shut the windows. I am excited for you!!!

 

[princessmiki]

right then, dh has arrived home from work and have picked the kids up from school. man we are ready to leave for christchurch airport to go to auckland.....then on to L.A .....DISNEYLAND HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!!

 

[aussiegirls]

OMG princessmiki I have butterflies in my stomach on your behalf

Have a great trip, I hope it is amazing for you.

xxx

 

[Flea]

hey everyone, here we are in Auckland waiting for our flight to the USA. had a good flight, AirNz have been good to us in all our flights. I actually like airline good.

just a note, make sure you guys all have the copies of your confirmations for the ESTA USA visa thing. At check in they firstly said, did you fill out the website form, because it says you didn't So once I pulled out the copies after two visits to the supervisor it was ok, but the missus was a bit worried.

We still have few hours to kill here, so thought would drop in and say hi. Now I remember why we love holidays so much. Feels good. Catch you all soon.

Thanks for the ESTA heads up, and yay for good airnz reviews - that's who we are flying with too. HAve a fantastic trip

right then, dh has arrived home from work and have picked the kids up from school. man we are ready to leave for christchurch airport to go to auckland.....then on to L.A .....DISNEYLAND HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOHOOOOOOO how exciting

 

[queenie82]

With all this talk about departures etc I was wondering what airlines people use?
I have seen AirNZ mentioned a few times and I understand people in NZ using Air NZ but I'm curious about people who go with them given the stop in NZ?

Since 1990 we have been using United because the airline we were originally going to go with stuffed up and we got recommended to use United and got it on a special. We also joined Mileage plus then and have had one holiday paid for with points bar one internal flight. We almost have enough points for another one now as well. [that 1990 trip they did stop in Auckland but we have never done that since then]

We are always watching for specials and even when another airline offers one United have always been willing to match it.
This current trip is only happening because of the war that has been going on and a great rate.

I think one of our favourite things is their website. Once you have your flight confirmed etc you can then log in, select your seat (no fee) and check all the details whenever you want. We have also bought Economy Plus on 2 occasions because it is only a couple hundred dollars a year and gives you extra legroom for the member and fellow traveller and puts you closer to the front.

The other thing we love is that so much of the plane is Americans so there are less "aliens" when you arrive at customs

 

[keptwoman]

We are flying United and I am DREADING it!! They have the smallest seats, the least "pitch" (distance between one seat and the next) they are the only airline that don't have the personal entertainment systems and they don't serve food between LAX and NY like Qantas do. We've flown Air NZ and found them great but that was when we were in NZ. I'd much much much rather be flying Qantas!

 

[Andona]

We are flying United and I am DREADING it!! They have the smallest seats, the least "pitch" (distance between one seat and the next) they are the only airline that don't have the personal entertainment systems and they don't serve food between LAX and NY like Qantas do. We've flown Air NZ and found them great but that was when we were in NZ. I'd much much much rather be flying Qantas!

We have always flown Qantas in the past and have usually had enough points to pay for 1 or two of the seats. We've always been happy with the service etc and will continue to fly Qantas when it suits us.

However, this time we grabbed very cheap airfares from V Australia - I'm actually quite looking forward to seeing what they're like as they have an extra inch of seat pitch and the seats are 1.6 inches wider than Qantas. It doesn't sound like much but after 13 hours I suspect (hope?) it will have made a difference to our comfort.

However, this time we won't get socks or those cute little toothbrushes that they give you on Qantas

I must admit I've read a few bad reviews of United ( I gather the fleet is very old? ) but I'd probably give them a go if they had a really competitive price.

Try not to worry about it too much Keptwoman - when I've reached the numb bum/gritty eyed/foot cramp stage of the flight I just keep reminding myself that I've got a fantastic holiday at the end of it

However, I do often wish that Australia wasn't quite so far from the rest of the world

Andona

 

[melbarkwith]

We have flown the MEL-LAX route with both Qantas and Air NZ. I absolutely Air New Zealand. Their service is awesome, and the inflight food is pretty darn good too. Last time we went, I was still feeding our youngest DD. The flight attendants made sure I had plenty of water to drink the entire time, made sure I didn't miss out on meals if I was feeding DD and in general were just excellent.

With regards to the stopover in Auckland, it just worked out really well for us. We left Auckland around 8pm Melbourne time, the kids had dinner, watched a movie and fell asleep. Much better than a daytime flight with 3 kids

This time we are flying with V, for the specific return date we required Air NZ were about $1500 dearer.

 

[queenie82]

We are flying United and I am DREADING it!! They have the smallest seats, the least "pitch" (distance between one seat and the next) they are the only airline that don't have the personal entertainment systems and they don't serve food between LAX and NY like Qantas do. We've flown Air NZ and found them great but that was when we were in NZ. I'd much much much rather be flying Qantas!

Our round the world trip over Jan/Feb involved Qantas, AA, Air France, Alitalia, BA, Finnair and JAL. I must say I was impressed generally with Qantas SERVICE and they do seem to do food service well...but the seats I found were pretty uncomfortable. I wasn't impressed at all. I didn't measure anything but it was really awkward and irritating.
I would have taken UA Economy plus seat any day. As for the Entertainment in the seat...bleah...we had that on a couple of the airlines but again I wasn't impressed. I'm happy looking at the screen in the air if I want to see a movie. It is too in your face...I was getting sore eyes. The "games" are a joke. iPhone, GBA, headphones...I'm set.

As for not having food on the LA - NY flight? I'm happier on these flights bringing my own because short flight food is never great.

I'm not saying UA are perfect....far from it...but I would take an Economy Plus seat on their plane over any other airline....except maybe Finnair. Now they are pretty perfect.

[As to those other airlines mentioned above...you would have to pay me to fly Air France or BA again. JAL was food wise...interesting....but they were SPOTLESSLY clean. The flight attendants go and cleanup in the toilets when they are unoccupied so no wet socks from spilt water or anything]

 

[queenie82]

We have flown the MEL-LAX route with both Qantas and Air NZ. I absolutely Air New Zealand. Their service is awesome, and the inflight food is pretty darn good too. Last time we went, I was still feeding our youngest DD. The flight attendants made sure I had plenty of water to drink the entire time, made sure I didn't miss out on meals if I was feeding DD and in general were just excellent.

With regards to the stopover in Auckland, it just worked out really well for us. We left Auckland around 8pm Melbourne time, the kids had dinner, watched a movie and fell asleep. Much better than a daytime flight with 3 kids

This time we are flying with V, for the specific return date we required Air NZ were about $1500 dearer.

I had a colleague fly V Australia over Easter and the flight over he quite liked but the flight back he wasn't impressed. The staff basically did as minimal as possible.
Seat wise he didn't comment much. He is short and fairly compact so I think anywhere he is pretty fine
I hope it goes well for you....I know each flight V Australia takes they are losing money!

 

[keptwoman]

Andona, Yeah it's the fleet is old. They upgraded business but not economy I'm actually less worried about the flights now than I was a few weeks ago. Now I'm just eager to get there I guess!

Queenie, it's not me I like the screens for. I'm good with a book and my iPhone. But I have found it makes a massive difference for the kids, they can watch and play things more suited to them than whats on the big screen. It's so much easier for me because I don't need to take so much crap to entertain them! However, we are getting up at 3am so they will be so knackered they will crash and burn not far into the flight
And ditto the food, if it were me then no biggie, but trying to carry food for 3 kids for a 6 hour flight; meh, I could do without it.

 

[Andona]

I would have taken UA Economy plus seat any day. As for the Entertainment in the seat...bleah...we had that on a couple of the airlines but again I wasn't impressed. I'm happy looking at the screen in the air if I want to see a movie. It is too in your face...I was getting sore eyes. The "games" are a joke. iPhone, GBA, headphones...I'm set.

Interesting, but I think I'd shrivel up and die without the inflight screens on a long haul flight and I know DS would ! I'm generally a big reader but I just can't seem to concentrate on a book when I'm flying.

This time I'm taking some audio books loaded on my MP3 player just in case (gasp!) my little screen isn't working

I'm not saying UA are perfect....far from it...but I would take an Economy Plus seat on their plane over any other airline....

I've heard good reports of Qantas Premium Economy seats from my brother - he flies hundreds of hours a year for work ( currently posted in Papua New Guinea) and is pretty fussy when it comes to airline seating.

The only time we've flown anything other than cattle-class was on a wonderful trip to Hong Kong with Virgin Atlantic - in first class with fully flat beds. It was wonderful and the service was out of this world - but I still couldn't sleep!

Other than those flight I've only ever flown with Malaysian Airlines - not an experience I'd repeat in a hurry.

Andona

 

[keptwoman]

Queenie, do the UA economy seats have the little pull in flap things on the head rest to rest your head on? And do they give you a pillow/blanket?

 

[queenie82]

Queenie, do the UA economy seats have the little pull in flap things on the head rest to rest your head on? And do they give you a pillow/blanket?

Yes on all counts.

I've heard good reports of Qantas Premium Economy seats from my brother - he flies hundreds of hours a year for work ( currently posted in Papua New Guinea) and is pretty fussy when it comes to airline seating.

See this is the thing though. Premium Economy on pretty much any airline like Qantas is EXPENSIVE so I would EXPECT it to be pretty darn good.

Economy Plus on United is very different to Premium Economy on Qantas. This is why I compare it to cattle class on any other airline.
It is about $250USD for a years worth of access (no limit on the number of flights) for 2 people. You can also pay per flight if you wish. It is a very simple thing....there is more distance between the seats. THAT is the difference. The seats themselves are exactly the same so it isn't luxurious nor incredibly expensive. For me extra legroom is all I want. I don't need wider seats (although we all love an empty seat between us) I need legroom. Over 4 flights I think it is well worth it. You are also closer to the pointy end of the plane and get served meals first (so if there is a choice of pancakes you do get to choose them and they don't run out )

Queenie, it's not me I like the screens for. I'm good with a book and my iPhone. But I have found it makes a massive difference for the kids, they can watch and play things more suited to them than whats on the big screen. It's so much easier for me because I don't need to take so much crap to entertain them! However, we are getting up at 3am so they will be so knackered they will crash and burn not far into the flight
And ditto the food, if it were me then no biggie, but trying to carry food for 3 kids for a 6 hour flight; meh, I could do without it.

TOTALLY hear you. I guess I was a child before all of that. I mean the movie up in the air was amazing. Looking out the window of the plane was amazing. ALSO ...I was a child when you could go up to the cockpit and talk to the pilot and when you got a little wings badge. [I'm feeling an incredibly old 27yo at the moment]

No matter what age these 14hr flights are killers.....but yeah lugging all the stuff for kids I understand (I've seen it). And yes I do want the children to be occupied so they don't stick their foot in my back! But...I think you will still have a fine flight. Think POSITIVE!!! The staff have always been lovely to me...


Vaguely on topic of flights...just read an article - http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/travel/news/us-introduce-12-entry-fee/story-e6frezi0-1225771763540
AUSTRALIANS travelling to America will have to pay a $12 entry fee upon arrival following a change in US law.

Under the new legislation Australians and other international visitors will be forced to cough up the fee - which would be used to pay for tourism promotion, publicity to make tourists aware of what rules they might face on arrival and improve security.

The levy is expected to be in place by September 30.

 

[Andona]

Economy Plus on United is very different to Premium Economy on Qantas. This is why I compare it to cattle class on any other airline.
It is about $250USD for a years worth of access (no limit on the number of flights) for 2 people.

That's interesting. We have one of our domestic flights with UNited and I noticed that the front rows were reserved for premium people.

Our situation is that all our credit cards points ( and now, thanks to Woolworths Everyday Rewards, all my grocery shopping) go onto Qantas Frequent Flyers so we'll be doing our flying with them for the bulk of our OS trips for the foreseeable future.

Vaguely on topic of flights...just read an article - http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/travel/news/us-introduce-12-entry-fee/story-e6frezi0-1225771763540
AUSTRALIANS travelling to America will have to pay a $12 entry fee upon arrival following a change in US law.

The levy is expected to be in place by September 30.

Arghhhh! We land in LA on Sept 30! Wonder if they'll hit us for the extra $12 each?

 

[keptwoman]

TOTALLY hear you. I guess I was a child before all of that. I mean the movie up in the air was amazing. Looking out the window of the plane was amazing. ALSO ...I was a child when you could go up to the cockpit and talk to the pilot and when you got a little wings badge. [I'm feeling an incredibly old 27yo at the moment]

I had a little Air NZ log book the captain signed for each flight. It fitted about 20 flights in it. My kids would have filled it long ago, I rather suspect they don't know how lucky they are!

 

[bumbershoot]

I absolutely Air New Zealand.....Last time we went, I was still feeding our youngest DD. The flight attendants made sure I had plenty of water to drink the entire time, made sure I didn't miss out on meals if I was feeding DD and in general were just excellent.

That is SO awesome. Wow!


********

Can I interrupt? My husband's taking a business trip where he'll be staying in Canberra then Auckland. I'm working on finding him basic, not horrifically expensive, but not scary hotels somewhat near the airport. Does anyone have any ideas? So far I've noticed the Novotel in Canberra, and it looks like he'll have to go a bit further away from the airport for Auckland.

I so ridiculously jealous it's not even funny, I actually went to bed last night close to tears...but I do want to find him a decent hotel.


He's taking Air New Zealand into Australia, then Qantaslink, then he'll come home from NZ on Qantas...it all seems so backwards, LOL.


Oh and I have the silliest question. If I'm booking online, and I click on a date...the hotel will figure out that I want that date THEIR time, right? I'm not going to accidentally make a reservation good the day before he gets in to the day before he leaves, right?



Sorry for the interruption, but if you have any ideas, please share. Thank you!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

That is SO awesome. Wow!


********

Can I interrupt? My husband's taking a business trip where he'll be staying in Canberra then Auckland. I'm working on finding him basic, not horrifically expensive, but not scary hotels somewhat near the airport. Does anyone have any ideas? So far I've noticed the Novotel in Canberra, and it looks like he'll have to go a bit further away from the airport for Auckland.

I so ridiculously jealous it's not even funny, I actually went to bed last night close to tears...but I do want to find him a decent hotel.


He's taking Air New Zealand into Australia, then Qantaslink, then he'll come home from NZ on Qantas...it all seems so backwards, LOL.


Oh and I have the silliest question. If I'm booking online, and I click on a date...the hotel will figure out that I want that date THEIR time, right? I'm not going to accidentally make a reservation good the day before he gets in to the day before he leaves, right?



Sorry for the interruption, but if you have any ideas, please share. Thank you!

HI Bumbershoot. I'm in Canberra so I guess I should chime in. The airport is only about 3 mins from Canberra city so best to choose something there. I'm not sure I know where the Novotel is to be honest, however Novotel's are generally nice hotels here in Australia. You can definitely get some seedy places to stay near the city so definitely read some reviews first, probably use Expedia.com.au to find somewhere. I'm sorry I can't recommend somewhere, I just have never had any need to stay in a hotel here

As for booking the date, make sure you look at your husband's flight itinerary to ensure you get the right date for booking. The date on there that he lands will be the Australian date. I feel your pain on this one because I was so scared that I would book my accomm for the wrong dates. Essentially the date will be 2 days after he leaves the US.

If he gets time while he's here, tell him to get outside of the city a bit. Canberra city is all concrete, but if he drives 15 minutes out, he'll feel like he is in the Australian countryside, and most sightseeing things in Canberra are free.

Hope that helps!

 

[kylieh]

That is SO awesome. Wow!


********


I so ridiculously jealous it's not even funny, I actually went to bed last night close to tears...but I do want to find him a decent hotel.


Oh and I have the silliest question. If I'm booking online, and I click on a date...the hotel will figure out that I want that date THEIR time, right? I'm not going to accidentally make a reservation good the day before he gets in to the day before he leaves, right?

For Canberra - we pop down there often for weekends. It's only a 3 1/2 drive from Sydney. What is the budget, and what time frame? A few nights when parliament is sitting in a 5* for example would be AU$500 a night, but no paliament you could get the same room for around AU$250. 3 and 4 star hotels don't vary as much in price and you can get them between $100 - $300 per night depending on needs. And the advertised price is the price you pay including taxes.

What Ms Shuttergirl said re the time - The arrival time/date on the flight is normally the time you arrive at the destination. Because of the international date line you lose a day coming here. We left LAX roughly 10.30 on Friday night and arrived in Sydney 6.30am Sunday morning. The opposite applied when we left. Left Sydney at 1.30pm Wednesday, arrived LA 10am Wednesday!

Pretty much the same for Auckland as the closest to the international date line IYKWIM.

Are you and Eamon coming?


PS - I reread you post re basic accom. Roughly where in Canberra is he working? Is there a street name or suburb name so we can help you get close by?