The A380

So, how was the ride on the Airbus 380? I won't pretend to be a veteran. I've only ridden on it a couple of times. Both were on the London-KLIA. That meant passing through the bad air over Bay of Bengal, something which I had always dreaded when I traveled as a student on top of a DC10. We were talking about the early 90s here. It was an experience. I could even see the fear in the cabin crew's faces.

Things got better with the 747-400. A much smoother ride all around but still the occasional heavy bumps. So, I was expecting a real smooth ride on the new plane. And yes, the ride was a lot smoother.

BoardingEnough legroom?The seats were arranged in pairs, with six seats across the rowThe central controlI was lucky to have a business class seats on both flights, hence my story may not be applicable to everyone. Boarding was faster than expected as both decks had their own platform. The gate at KLIA was actually double-stories. Hence boarding was smooth. The gate at Heathrow was a bit more sluggish as there was only a single common entrance.

The lower main deck had three compartments. The front housed the First Class - for only 8 passengers. The middle and back cabins were for the economy class.

The upper deck was also divided into three smaller sections. The front two were the Business sections with another Economy compartment at the back. The meals was what you'd expect on an MAS Business Class service. But it had a small compartment by the front set of stairs where you could mingle around a small little space. There were rack of magazines and free flow of drinks here.

It was also here that I had a chat with one of the Chief Stewarts. I actually recognised him from my previous trips. According to him, the upper front compartment was originally planned for the First Class, and hence the toilets were much bigger here. At the last moment, the arrangement was changed and the First Class was moved ton the lower deck. The facilities were smaller down there.

The Business Class seats were certainly an upgrade to the 747-400. Much bigger legroom, and the seats reclined to horizontal. Completely flat. Entertainment was provided via a 15 inch touch screen, with on-demand movie. Nothing fancy. There was ample storage space, with separate compartments for shoes and personal items. There was also a charger and personal lights.

During landing and taking off, the video console would show the view from the tail finThe screen was huge, but rather far away from viewFood at the counter by the front stairwell. No bar I was afraid.Time for meals!Waiting for take-offThe layout was 6 in a row, with a pair of seats each. On both occasions, I was sat on the middle row. For privacy, there was a small blind which one could raise in between the pair of seats. I felt secluded enough when I took a nap, so no complains from me.

On both occasions, I managed at least 6 hours of good sleep on the flights. The landing and taking off was also very smooth for a big plane. There was also a gimmick where the monitors would show a view from the tail camera during taxiing, taking off and landing. More for reassurance maybe.

The A380 was definitely big and smooth. When I travelled on the 767 for my Trans-Atlantic segment, I definitely felt that the other planes were much smaller. Maybe more psychological than anything. It lived up to its billing for sure.

More on my Atlanta trip here.

A Delay

I was due to fly off to KL, taking off jut before 8pm. While taxiing, the right rear landing gear went onto the grass. We felt a jolt and sudden veering to right.

After about 45 minutes of delay, the plane was evacuated and retimed for after midnight. No injuries, and the boys did not freak out, although there were a lot of question for me to answer to the boys.

We have about 3 hours before take-off. Need to sort out dinner for everyone.

Heading Back to KL

Finally arrived at KLIA. Managed to get the stuffs from my wife's cousin as planned. Just also found out that Irfan has been running high fever. He was complaining of a toothache since yesterday and from this morning been having runny nose. Maybe would have to take him to see the Doctors later.

The flight home was smooth. Had a long conversation with a colleague about things, making the journey pass by really fast. The was a big game coming up later this evening. United playing Arsenal away at the Emirates. Should be a compelling game if I manage to stay awake.

Update on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 10:34PM by Haris Abdul Rahman

Well. Really tired and now occupied by watching the big game. The editing would have to wait until tomorrow. Sorry!

KB - the flight out

Idlan at the loungeTruth be told, that was the boys first ever flight. We were all apprehensive. Puan Anita was not keen to endure the now -dreaded 10 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur to KB. By he time we reach Bentong, we were tearing our hair out already. A couple of our cousin’s were getting married - yes, to each other. Gulp! Therefore we had no excuse but to return to KB. It was doubly nice to make the journey to visit the extended family before Puasa as well.

Idlan with his Tok AbahGrumpy travellerAfter finishing my clinic on the Friday morning, I made the short hop to KL Sentral via taxi, checked the boys in, and took the ERL to KLIA. The boys were EXTREMELY excited. I sat with Irfan while Puan Anita had Idlan with her. My father-in-law also took the same flight. Weather was great. We got them stuffed at the lounge, and they had some more food and attention by the stewardesses on the flight. It was a smooth one. No drama. In fact, Irfan cannot stop chatting through-out. The whole cabin can hear his voice.

So, what was Adik up to? - Ferraro RocherHow about Abang? - More Ferraro RocherWe reached KB just before 4pm, and quickly settled into our hotel room. My mum-in-law came by road with the maids, and they arrived just before 5pm. Perfect timing. The boys quickly got themselves acquainted with the facilities. After tea, he went out later that evening for dinner at one of our auntie’s house. Food and Kelantan has always been great friends - so, needless to say, the food was gorgeous - we had nasi ulam that evening among other things.

Idlan with his first ever boarding passDid the boys retire early that evening? - No way!