Just a quick update on my travel plans.  Using my points I have requested an upgrade to business class when I fly to San Francisco in September.  I won’t actually know if my upgrade request is successful until the day before I travel. Â
Funnily enough my booking has come at the same time that Qantas has announced their new log and aircraft fitouts.  The blue seats are all turning red.  New seats, a premium economy class and new entertainment systems! Â
They hava also announced some details about the upcoming A380 Airbus.  When Qantas start using the new Airbus the first long haul route will be MEL to LAX….   so I guess I should plan another US trip for next year.
Features of Qantas new A380 inflight entertainment system include:
* Wide screen monitors in all cabins with digital picture and sound quality;
* Audio and video on demand with over 100 on demand movies, 350 television selections, 500 audio CDs, 30 PC style games, as well as a selection of audio books and radio channels;
* Lonely Planet destination and arrival guides;
* Language tutorials;
* Deloitte Leadership Academy;
* Online duty free shopping;
* Moving maps, text news and weather;
* An intuitive state-of-the-art graphic user interface allowing customers to easily navigate through entertainment options or use the in-seat communications;
* Wireless connectivity throughout the aircraft;
* In-seat access to email and the internet, telephone and SMS;
* USB and RJ45 ports as well as PC power for all seats; and
* An external camera giving a pilot’s eye view of take-off, landing and cruising.
The shot below is one config for First Class in the A380.  It is not the Qantas fit out.  Qantas are going to have mini suites.   Oooh…. so spacey!
