I'm flying LAX to Sydney on February 20 and returning March 8. Are the Qantas overnight flights full this time of year? I guess what I'm asking is if there is a chance to snag two or three adjoining seats after takeoff.

Bill Quimby

Bill,

As a transplanted American to South Australia, I make this trip at least once a year, sometime twice. Most of the flight are full or very near so. Perhaps once in the last five years did I have the seat next to me empty.

Best of luck and enjoy Australia.

Carl

Thanks, Carl.

I was hoping that this would be the off-season. Guess I'm condemned to walking the aisle all night.

Bill Quimby

Bill, do what i do if riding economy - coach as you would say, or more commonly cattle class. I ask at the check-in desk, usually they are very obliging and i have been known to have three seats to my self. Flights lately have been a bit of a nightmare, guess it is the peak season.

Of cpourse if the company is flying me business, it's a different story. But i still ask for a vacant adjoining seat so i can work etc.

Good luck with the flight.

Best wishes, Chris

Thanks, Chris.

At age 77, the thought of 14 hours in a narrow coach seat doesn't thrill me. Wish I could sleep on airplanes, but I can't, and because of sleep apnea I can't take sleeping pills.

Bill Quimby

Bill,
Recently been to the U.S. and came back to Oz on a flight that left Las Vegas at about 8 or 9PM and then left LAX about midnight. Was tired when we left and flew in darkness most of the way home. I was able to get some sleep which is unusual for me. Once back in Australia I had another 5 hour flight from Brisbane to Perth followed by a 3 hour drive and was still quite fresh when I hit home.
Highlighted that it pays to fly at the right time of day.
On the way over to the U.S. We left Sydney about 7 in the morning and none of us got any sleep. Had absolutely had enough by the time we passed Hawaii and still a few hours left after that to L.A.

I wish it made a difference which way I fly, but it doesn't. I can't sleep on planes night or day, heading north or south. I was hoping that my trip would fall in an off season when there might be a chance of being able to lie down.

Oh, well. What will be will be.

Bill Quimby

Bill:

We have guests staying with us from Perth; they flew from Brisbane on Quantas. I will ask them. They fly back Jan 27. Currently they are in Philly but due here on Friday.

Thanks, John.

Bill Quimby

Hello Bill - I can't sleep on airplanes either for various reasons you mentioned. But if it is toooooo much of a hassle for you I'll take your seat. As long as it's paid for of course. Have a great trip and good luck. Sorry won't get to see you at SCI this year.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International) Life Member
Sabatti "trash" Shooter

Thanks, Larry.

After 30 consecutive SCI shows, it is time to hang up my convention spurs. I'll miss seeing you and other friends, but the Las Vegas venue is just too large -- even on the scooters I rented.

Bill Quimby