My NIGHTMARE Flight With AirCalin: A330NEO

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This flight ended up costing me my entire trip, thanks to one of the most shambolic airlines I've ever flown on.
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[@lauraweiss7875]

I hate to admit that I prefer watching the videos where things go wrong as they help me learn what to do should it happen to me.

[@skylineswithoutskies5072]

Same for me :D

[@jasonpeisley6031]

Yep and my advice is ALWAYS take 3 or 4 days worth of clothes and toiletries in your carry on bag, for situations like this. I haven't flown in 10 years but it's what I did, in case of these situations

[@TheGremlinsParadise]

Most thinks going wrong by airliners there is nothing you "can" do about it, your pretty much left at their merci. You can file a complaint and maybe get some of your money back, but other than that, there is nothing you can do. So many things go wring in the air industry in that sense, you will be one of 1000s a day that have something happen. But if your vacation is screwed because of flight issues, the only thing you can do is filing a complaint and get your flight refunded, your vacation on the other hand will not be reimbursed. If you want that you need a cancelation insurance, and even than often you do not get all refunded. pretty much if you fly to your vacation and anything goes horribly wrong with the airliner, planning and so on that is out of your control, your simply screwed.

[@klass_1221]

Im hitting that champagne *26:48* if my luggage is still at my previous departure point. Note: I've experienced it. You have to buy new luggage and clothing. Headache.

[@davisnattygainz5012]

​@@TheGremlinsParadise😅

[@beckymunro2071]

Losing your bag is never fun, but with all the traveling that you do I'm actually suprised it doesn't happen more often. Especially with all the horror stories this past year about air travel and lost luggage. Hopefully your bag finds it's way back to you

[@David..]

I recall a documentary with American Airlines (I think on 60 minutes) remember the amount of luggage that gets lost is some infinitesimal percentage which seems pretty odd since we all know someone who had their luggage lost. In hindsight though can’t think of it ever happening to me.

[@unleadedpetrol01]

Hes the bad boy of aviation for a reason

[@richardchristman5066]

As a former airline employee, we used to say, "Unfortunately bags don't have brains".

[@doubtfulalf9391]

Yep it's the norm now with bags not actually on your flight with you. This is due to staff shortages around the world it sucks and Noel there will be more of it unfortunately. As for that connection thats poor they should have a waiting area at least for connecting. I connected in Tahiti to LA and it's a bit of messing around with security but then all good and you wait with the other passengers at the 2 gates haha (just 2 gates they have)

[@danielheathcote5625]

Strikes me as odd - when your bag gets lost and ends up in a different destination to you, it’s travelled on an aircraft you weren’t on, then it travels on a plane again without you to get back to you. Yet when they off load a passenger they have to off load their luggage.

[@cleoeleson1217]

I’ve noticed you don’t share the cost of a flight like you used to. That’s something I’d be interested in seeing. Thank you, good travels.

[@melglobus]

Yes I agree, I’ve noticed and missed that too!

[@TheSnowman518]

He put up on screen how much it was .

[@jmc4israel]

@@TheSnowman518 When?

[@Guenther548]

He probably changes to milages payment (and likes to hide that fact). So no transparency at all anymore !

[@guilhermepber]

Yes i agree missed that too!

[@dantompson]

Losing luggage is a big phobia of mine, you handled it like a champ, well done.

[@CricketEngland]

We once traveled Melbourne - Sydney - Ayers Rock morning flight The plain was delayed 1 hour and when we got to Sydney they were calling us to board asap we got off the plane (as they only allow flight to land before 12noon) We rushed to the plane only to realise when we arrived at Ayers Rock the luggage was not transferred in time because of the delay The luggage however arrived the following day after Traveling from Melbourne - Sydney - Darwin - Cairns - Ayers Rock

[@peterm7548]

I used to fly a lot for work before I retired and I always had a change of underpants, socks, shirt (and my washing gear pre-9/11) in my flight bag. If I was going for formal meetings I would always fly in my suit so that I was at least properly dressed for that! Thanks for taking the bullet for us Noel!

[@jeremypearson6852]

More people should be like you.

[@adrianbowden]

My learning here: 1. Always have a personal back up kit in carry on 2. Never plan to spend 6 hours in transit in a small pacific island nation airport, get a taxi to a bar or something. 3. With tight multiple connections maybe just check your day pack with whatever it is you cant carry on and then take the luggage you usually check in onto the plane. 4. Probably never wise to do extremely improbable flight paths, unless, unlike Noel here it seems, you’re really ready for adventure.

[@johnotheavgeek5925]

Yes, realistically no one would ever transit same day from Australia to Singapore via New Caledonia it’s impractical and expensive when there’s atleast 7 other direct daily options to Singapore from Sydney.

[@ternilapilli]

@@johnotheavgeek5925 Indeed. I'm surprised by the emergency clothes kit but of course it's not designed to last you "7 days" - it's just some clothes that lets you go and buy some more clothes that might actually fit you. A pain, an inconvenience, an out of pocket expense until you can sort out insurance, but that's the drill.

[@adrianbowden]

@@johnotheavgeek5925that was clear with the hullabaloo at check in. Maybe Noel was looking for some engagement enhancing drama

[@Moksha-Raver]

Noel purposefully tries out new things to create a fun video.

[@Roadent1241]

@@Moksha-Raver And messing with people's work and other people's lives in the process...? That just tells me it's not worth watching because he's intentionally causing drama and it makes me feel wierd.

[@LouisKnowlesUKWeather]

The amount of content you're rolling out at the moment is amazing. Keep it up

[@mhondoroyeHarare]

Got to agree Noel is on beast mode

[@davidfrench3122]

I think he just found out how much healthcare premiums are in the US.

[@EirikNewth1]

@@davidfrench3122 Yep, saw the video where three people were being pushed to the plane in wheelchairs and thought "Uh oh, looks like someone's gonna have to work a lot harder from now on..." 🤔

[@adrianbowden]

Does he have a KZbin explaining his personal life situation? Looks complicated, and as someone who just tried living in the US for 10 years and decided after all to not stay there, not the greatest country if you have disabilities - unless you’re loaded which I cant believe he is with 373K followers.

[@nishalimaye]

@@adrianbowden yes, I’m really curious how the elderly members of his group are going to get health insurance since I assume they don’t qualify for Medicare. I guess it can be purchased privately but that has got to be incredibly expensive for an elderly person.

[@pdalia100]

I feel you...Last trip to the UK from Michigan went as follows. 1. United lost our bags on Saturday. They were not delivered until 1:00am Sunday into Monday 2. On the return Heathrow security screened me with the suspicion I was smuggling drugs in our carry-on. Perp walked three times as a result. No drugs found. No apology for any of it. 3. Heathrow security did allow a crazed man onboard the flight. He was pacing the aisle clutching a backpack. He went away after awhile. 4. Deplaning was delayed for about 20 minutes waiting for the police in NJ to cart away the crazed man. 5. Bags get delayed. We were not informed but we had to clear immigration (no surprise) claim our bags recheck them and go thru security again in a different terminal. My wife is having a breakdown by now. 6. My wife inquired what would happen if we missed our connection due to all of the delays. The man she asked looked up our flight told us not to worry about it. The flight had been cancelled. &. I called United at this point and although she tried very hard the person could not get us on any other flights guaranteed for TWO days. 7. Fought my way to the rental car desk (also in another terminal..oh ya the AirTran was broken so we had to find and take a bus. 8 Rented a car from Avis (car had serious issues) drove it 800 miles thru freezing rain and blowing snow (checked into a hotel on road for 4 hours of sleep we had to argue with reception because their system was down for a room we had a confirmation number for and that we had paid for). We arrived home a full day later than planned and probbly would have spent another day in Newark if I had not driven. 9. Still waiting for United to refund/compensate us. Wish us luck with that.

[@sharoncassell5273]

That happened to us too, a plane from Minneapolis to Ft. Lauderdale had no plane. Spent the night in the airport. Next day Delta flight for 600 dollars instead of 240. No refund. We were booked in advance on Sun Country.That was one fare one way.

[@pdalia100]

@@sharoncassell5273 We received a total of $92.00 as a refund for the cancelled portion of our flight. That is $92.00 for two tickets that cost $1000 each. We sent about $500.00 getting home on our own.

[@pdalia100]

@@sharoncassell5273 One airline is as bad as the next... Was not like that in past times.

[@kateemma22]

Flying is so fun!

[@jamesnoonan7450]

Technically, it's not the airlines fault it's the handlers at Sydeney Airport. My parents have had bags lost transiting through there it's got a bit of a reputation, unfortunately. The guy who checked you in at Sydney looked like it was his first day on the job so maybe that was the reason 😂

[@Teh_Goat]

Not the lads fault if he was a newbie. The lady beside him appeared to be a trainer / supervisor and they lost the luggage for the entire plane. Not a good look

[@CricketEngland]

We once traveled Melbourne - Sydney - Ayers Rock morning flight The plain was delayed 1 hour and when we got to Sydney they were calling us to board asap we got off the plane (as they only allow flight to land before 12noon) We rushed to the plane only to realise when we arrived at Ayers Rock the luggage was not transferred in time because of the delay The luggage however arrived the following day after Traveling from Melbourne - Sydney - Darwin - Cairns - Ayers Rock

[@Picasso_Picante92]

You're doing the lord's work. Thanks for taking one for the team.

[@whherron]

"Oh, thank goodness, I was missin' me hairbrush..."

[@jeffp2142]

Glad you got to experience AirCancellation, I mean AirCalin! I try to avoid them as best as possible, but when you need to go Nouméa you’re very limited. Of the three times flying them this year, twice the flight was cancelled. Once causing a two day delay and the second resulting in a day earlier departure (or a week later). The planes and service onboard are great, as long as you’re not on a tight timeline! Next time you’re in Nouméa check out the neighboring islands via Magenta Airport (GEA) on Air Calédonie, they have a small fleet of colorful ATR-72s.

[@markdougan2278]

Indeed to get to Noumea you are totally dependent on Air Calin apart from the QF flights from Sydney on Saturday and Sunday

[@marlboro4609]

That mispelling was a personal one...😂!!

[@stuartatkins5425]

Back in1965 my parents sent me to Germany, via Air France out of NYC, and the French really knew how to feed their passengers - we had a seven course menu on the plane! Seems AirCalin is keeping that tradition alive and well.

[@jlrwasnothere]

I lost it when you busted out the hair brush 🤣

[@AviationAndTravelWithSash]

This is a big fear I've got, having my main checked bag left behind. This is why I always have a small carry-on with a spare change of clothes and small toiletries set. Sorry you had mishaps, but I'm happy to see you were a good champ about it. Great video as always!

[@Double0pi]

Same. Of course, I started doing this after my bag was delayed (it arrived the following day) & I was stuck w/o a toothbrush at a hotel almost 25 years ago. 😁

[@wavecentral]

Same here. I always have 2-3 full changes of clothes in my carry on. It's not just a question of buying clothes if your checked bag gets lost - finding clothes that fit (especially in some places if you're tall) can be a problem.

[@AviationAndTravelWithSash]

@@wavecentral very true!

[@haraldlorentzen40]

@@wavecentral Very true. Even worse if you require sizes over XXL, some places you are SOL if your suitcase goes AWOL. I try to carry atleast one change of clothes, but it's a bit limited what you can fit in a carry on depending on size of said carry on...

[@CricketEngland]

We once traveled Melbourne - Sydney - Ayers Rock morning flight The plain was delayed 1 hour and when we got to Sydney they were calling us to board asap we got off the plane (as they only allow flight to land before 12noon) We rushed to the plane only to realise when we arrived at Ayers Rock the luggage was not transferred in time because of the delay The luggage however arrived the following day after Traveling from Melbourne - Sydney - Darwin - Cairns - Ayers Rock

[@thaimaxcan]

I know you are primarly a vlog about flying with different airline but the airport experience is important part of the flight too. Numea is quite an exotic place and spending a night there would have been interesting . And you stopoed giving us the price of your flights and airplate tail number. Interesting info for us . Loosing your bags is something many travelers experience at the moment. Keep flying.

[@songfta]

Ugh - no fun! I've been burned by checking bags in the past and now I travel with only carry-on stuff if I can swing it. I'm glad you show the checked bag experience for all, tho - sorry you got burned this time. A most happy holiday to you and yours!

[@Jeng4280]

Oh, Noel, I feel your pain! I remember when I went to Las Vegas in 2022 I took Southwest Airlines for my trip. On the way back, my flight was cancelled due to, get this, NO co-pilot! So I was stranded in Dallas Love-Field Airport for over 20 hours until I finally managed to go home the next morning. I didn't manage to get a hotel because by the time I went to the hotel, it would have been time for me to leave! So I decided to stay at the airport and sleep there-didn't sleep but maybe 50 minutes or so so I was pooped by the time I arrived back to Arkansas! It was a fun trek to say the least but I felt for my first ever solo trip, I handled that stranded bit like a mature adult would. At least I got compensated by Southwest for it with a $200 travel voucher!

[@robertsadler1275]

This may sound a crazy idea As something like this is not normally covered in many travel videos these days could be interesting to see how long it takes to receive your luggage back even the how reliability of service is or any airline in this case.

[@os2soliz]

I've been binge watching your channel. Dude your positivity even when they lost your bag was great. Safe travels.

[@Landrunner577]

This has happen to my family when we fly. Thats why I use a travel credit card for the insurances. If my bag is delayed or lost I get up to $2000 to replace it. They consider it delayed if missing for 6 hours and lost if missing for 12 hours. Even if they know where the bag is, if it is not with you the timer starts. If the bag eventally shows up, I still get the credit. You live in American now so i recommend chase or american express business cards. They have lots of travel insurances.

[@user-cv9yp2ss9j]

Sorry for your bad experience and bag, amazed you stayed so calm. My late husbands bag was lost on a months trip to USA and he had to spend weeks going back to airport to see if it turned up, it did after many more months on our doorstep. He was exhausted, Really enjoyed your content...very honest,

[@SkyHighGuys]

I feel you for the lost bag. It sucks especially if all your important stuff is in it. If I can help it, I never check my bags. I will pay more to carry it in the aircraft overhead bins for the extra security. Hope you get it all back.

[@markdougan2278]

Sydney to Singapore via noumea is a very unusual routing. No wonder they’re not used to transit passengers 😢. In fact it’s hard to imagine transiting to anywhere through noumea

[@TheGremlinsParadise]

Nah its not unusual at all to be honest. Those airliners simply plan their flights on demand, so if there is low demand on the origin routes, but high demand on a alternative route, they will fly the alternate route as this will save them a lot of costs on fuel and things like that. Better to pack as much passengers into the craft than fly with such a huge plane with bare to none passengers on board. Also some routes simply do not have that much traffic, often smaller planes are used like the 737 for that, but if none are available, they will once again reroute the flight to make it financially better for the airliner. So its not unusual at all ^^ Though they will fly a little more track miles doing a extra stop like that, but in the end they haul more passengers and thus its cheaper for them to do so.

[@davidk7324]

I'm leaning your way on this one Mark Dugan. Being "new," AirCalin may not have much experience with unusual routing and that might have contributed to the lack of personnel and services in New Caledonia. The luggage. snafu is all on them. Although I'm not an an experienced international traveler my guess is that most systems are set up around the airline's, rather than the flyer's schedule. I wonder how many folks travel from Sydney on a midday or later flight to NC, lay over for 6 hours, and then fly back to Singapore on a separate flight. Might be one reason why ground services are non-existent for multiple hours a day at a destination type island.

[@vintagetriplex3728]

Australian immigration officers are annoying regardless. They love to put you on the hot seat and ask a bunch of questions to cause you stress and pressure. Australia is sucks. I'll never ever go to that country again.

[@sharoncassell5273]

Philips claim it is cheaper by going a round about route. Looks like more trouble. All that glitters ain't always gold.

[@artgreen6915]

I don't think it should matter whether they're 'used to transit passengers'. If it has to be a hub or else the airline and airport can't cope I think that's pathetic especially since we're well into the era of computerisation. There should be procedures for transit, and get followed. I think trouble started in Sydney. There was some kind of 'cannot compute' at the check in desk. The bags did not 'pass go'.

[@g2macs]

Maybe a good idea to carry a change of undercrackers in your carry-on if it happens again.

[@horstmonika9230]

Many credit cards provide insurances, you get like $600 dollars for rebuying stuff when your bag is lost. You don't even have to pay it back.

[@skyhawk_4526]

That's great when they pay the claim in a few weeks. But it's no help in the middle of a trip with 7 more days to go.

[@pattiwhite9575]

As often as you fly you should know to always carry extra cloths in your carry on...Just in case. Also, the fact that you knew there would be many quick stops you were planning on making. You have to plan for trouble in that scenario. But, I do feel so bad for your experience in that one place. 6 hours with no place to stretch out and relax comfortably is excusable! I love the little cabin in the last stop. Very nice to have right in the airport.

[@TheUtuber999]

Why is it excusable?

[@Auraslashed]

It makes me wonder considering how often Noel travels how often have his bags have gone missing?

[@djorgen]

Thanks for all the uploads Noel! Merry Christmas!

[@terrywillis2363]

A very Merry Christmas Noel to you and your family

[@nicolecasey8839]

I do love your videos and have been a fan for a while. I have a fear of flying and they calm me down ahahha however one thing I never understand is that you travel to all these amazing places but mostly never leave the airport or if you do very briefly to just go to a hotel. I would make the most of it and see/ experience a little of each place even if it’s just a few hours in the local town

[@rayhaw8599]

Wishing you and your Family a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !!!! Travel at the Vancouver Airport this time is a nightmare. 23" of Snow Fell and people were stuck on the plane on the taxiway for 12 hours. No Gates were available. Cheers and best Wishes.

[@richardchristman5066]

Spot on assessment of AirCalin's responsibilities for the ground services in SYD, Noel, as well as their dreadful services at NOU.

[@eastfrisianguy]

I finally found someone whose French pronunciation is more miserable than my own. Yay! 😁 Now an emergency kit of clothes via cabin luggage would have been handy.

[@normalcynormalcy2338]

Our host is usually an easy-going character who lets off things others may find unacceptable and preposterous as 'bit disappointing' and is generally quite lenient in his reviews, but man... in the lavatories the man is a veritable loocifer. Misses nothing. Merry Christmas, all us subscribers the world over sat on our asses at our computers or on our couches with our phones watching a middle age guy ride planes and stuff. Never change.

[@TheSnowman518]

Lol middle age hes in his 30's thats not middle age .

[@normalcynormalcy2338]

@@TheSnowman518 merry christmas to you too

[@nancydavid6854]

Loocifer...,fantastic title....

[@JamesC1981]

@@TheSnowman518 he;s definitely mid 40s

[@A_Blip_In_The_Universe]

I am guessing a couple got a bit rough when joining the mile high club in the lavatory?

[@TheDelman34]

Noticed you stopped sharing how much the flight cost in your last few videos. I would love to see that again on these video.

[@lauraweiss7875]

I wonder if some of these are covered by points. He must accumulate a huge number of points for allied carrier groups.

[@user-pw3tr1xg2x]

@@lauraweiss7875 Good point Laura.

[@valuetraveler2026]

Because he’s spending money no end - look at the hotels

[@clairedobson2240]

Great video Noel. Really great content Noel Happy Christmas

[@bloomers100]

New Caledonia looked too beautiful not to have a look about. Really appreciating the amount of content you are putting out over Christmas.

[@trevornelmes9331]

Wow. In this modern age, to leave baggage behind is incompetence. I have lost baggage 3 times, never got any of it back, had to fight for compensation each time.

[@travellinman382]

Sorry they lost your luggage. I hope you don’t have to abort the rest of your journey. With all the connecting flights and strange lay-overs you do, I’m honestly surprised it doesn’t happen more often. This is a real concern for me when I travel. Good luck, Noel.

[@alexlegamer491]

Just to tell you some airlines require to pick up your luggage when your transiting and Aircalin probably require that, Air cabin did not lose his luggage but him himself lost it.

[@gregblocker]

I couldn't help but notice your t shirt" Dunder Mifflin" from the U.S version of the Office. Too funny

[@Basedmistergeneral]

I just love that some content plays in between all the ads..

[@pelleparafin8647]

Ty and Have a Merry Christmas

[@marksimons6657]

When BA lost my bag I insisted on immediate compensation to allow me to purchase clothes. They offered 200 US I insisted on 400 which they agreed to.

[@valuetraveler2026]

What can you buy for 200 these days?

[@tobyrix7082]

​@@valuetraveler2026 Plenty.

[@statters]

I was so sure that the door at the bottom of the stairs was going to be locked. Merry Christmas Noel.

[@karenhall6216]

It's been Chrissy for over an hour here in Australia. Hope you have a wonderful day with your family and many non Air Calin experiences in 23! 🇦🇺👍🥂🎄

[@robertstitson]

Noel's discomfort makes good content! Thanks for enduring these things for our entertainment 💆‍♂️

[@TheGremlinsParadise]

15:33 that sign means you need to pull the bin forward to throw stuff away, then you can secure it by pushing it back into its holding container. It is just letting you know there is a trash bin hidden inside of that compartment.

[@tareqalmu883]

Noel you are seasoned traveler and you travel mostly business, you should have two pieces in the cabin with all the essential, in case your bag is lost

[@thembones1895]

Even in economy, just have the 1 carry on. I only ever check a bag when it's a multi week trip where I need hiking gear and a lot of redundant layers. For his sort of venture, I would just do a carry on with all the clothes I need. I have gotten well over a week of clothes in carry on/pack, all rolled up into tight balls.

[@SkiBumMSP]

@@thembones1895 Same here! Other than my ski trips, where I have to check my skis and equipment bag, I try to just go carry-on. I am just one guy and I can often get everything I need in my one duffel bag that will even fit in the overheads on those dinky Embraer jets, like the one I had to take to get to Yuma, AZ from Dallas for business.

[@MsRotorwings]

Exactly. Since he had several legs on his trip it would make sense to just have carry on bags.

[@stuartatkins5425]

Another great adventure (sorry about your bag); thanks for taking us along.

[@noelphilips]

Thanks for watching!

[@brn2bwild2001]

My wife and I travel often (mostly Cruises) and we've been inspired by Noel and his travel VLOG. In fact we're going to mirror some of his train experiences.

[@Bad_Karma1968]

Ever notice when Noel says cool airline it turns into something far from what he hopes for ? Happy new year to u and the family Yes you finally got a proper seat on leg one

[@vk4vsp]

The trouble with Noumea is, the airport is so far out of the city, you couldn't even jump in a cab and go and visit the city. It would have taken you too long. A shame, as Noumea is quite a nice city. I've been there twice, about thirty years apart, arrived by sea both times, but flew out once.

[@Andre1980stavanger]

really? with 6 hours transit? its 45 minutes by taxi so he would have plenty of time.

[@markdougan2278]

@@Andre1980stavanger probably more like an hour each way and remember he needs to check in again. Also after about 9pm everything in noumea is closed. In fact on Sunday everything is closed all day 😩

[@EricMAURY]

Hello, the original airfield that would then become the airport, was partly built by the American military as they landed on the island in March 1942 to counter the Japanese expansion in the Pacific. At that time it was a major U.S. Air Force base. New Caledonia is a very hilly place, so the location of the airport (for a 10,000ft runway today) was the closest to Noumea that could be found. Americans also landfilled and built a runway just 3 miles from the city center, now Magenta Airport use for domestic flights. The runway is I believe 1,380m or 4,500 ft. You can't make it longer. These facilities were built in the rush because of the war, hence the location that may be found inconvenient today. Regards from Nouméa, Eric.

[@flysky6248]

Merry Christmas Joel to you and your family.Be safe and healthy.

[@monibstar]

Has your baggage reached back home by now?? And nice 3 videos in a row! Thank u so much bro 🙏☺ Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you, yoir family and to all of the viewers 🎅🎄🎁☺👍

[@Bellasie1]

When you're unsure whether your luggage will make it or not (because the check-in staff seemed lost like in this case, or you made it late to their counter...) you can just ask the crew upon boarding and they can ask the ground staff at the gate to check whether your luggage was loaded or not before take-off (sparing you the bad surprise at least, and hopefully triggering some timely reaction from the airline).

[@JamesC1981]

ive not heard of doing this before

[@edsmale]

Zero chance of success with that. The flight attendants have nothing to do with anyone regarding checked luggage.

[@aaronbutcher1827]

How come you seem to rarely leave airports and explore where you are? I'd have struggled staying in the airport in New Caledonia without wanting to go and see the island a bit...

[@sandragraumann2174]

Yes I thought that too! It’s a relatively easy place to get around he could of taken a bus and at least got outside for a few hours then headed back… seems crazy to just hang in airport.

[@Homepage.]

@@sandragraumann2174 he probably has already been, he has been travelling the world for years and filming it on KZbin

[@kjmuller3839]

​@Homepage. While he "travels", he doesn't really explore. He focuses almost entirely on aviation and spends limited time in the places themselves, sometimes as little as a few hours, and rarely more than a day or two. While there is lots to like about his videos, and they are, of course, by design meant to be about the aviation experience, cultured is something he isn't, especially for someone whose entire livelihood revolves around "travel".

[@codychoquette7440]

I love Noels shirts in these videos… flying first class with the office… always make me laugh puts a smile on my face Noel for President 2024!!

[@tropicalblum]

I flew them years ago, Auckland to Noumea and loved it ❤

[@martindean3822]

Enjoy your videos. Perhaps you could do some reviews of airports as well as flights ? That would be a really good sidegig to the flight reviews.

[@brucemcabee5042]

I flew Air Calin home from Tahiti earlier this year. While the in-flight service was great. But getting people on and off their plane was terrible, and connecting in New Caledonia was a nightmare. I almost missed my connection with Qantas to Sydney. Told my travel agent that I would only fly with Air Calin again if I absolutely had no other choice.

[@headshunter]

In my days working on a cruise liner I was lucky enough to visit Noumea several times, loved it.

[@noelphilips]

That's awesome!

[@andrewstuarttaylor]

Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and your family

[@RJS4287]

I sympathise. Connecting/transfers at small Pacifica destinations are rare. I suspect you would be almost unique in routing Syd - Sin via Noumea. Added to which Noumea has a separate domestic airport 50 kilometres away. Only 4 airlines use the international one including Qantas & Air NZ who just go to their home countries and back. So transfers very rare. I even avoid Vietnam for same day connections. Noumea is a lovely place - given this and the transfer situation I would have spent 48 hours there. Might even have got your bag!

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Hi Noel. Merry Christmas. That little luggage tracker has certainly been a great buy. I agree , absolutely horrid to not even provide water, food, or somewhere comfy to wait. Let alone such small "compensation" for loosing your luggage

[@Nae395]

That lounge is great thought Noel. Hope you enjoyed it.

[@andredonnelly8521]

Not the first person it happened to and won't be the last. On all the travels you go on noel you would think you be better prepared 😚

[@ternilapilli]

Noumea-La Tontouta seems to only handle a handful of flights per day so it's not surprising the airport all but closes for periods between them (which likely explains the non-operation of the transfer counter). Probably would have been better off heading into town.

[@matt_hayward]

You're a tease Noel. It's about bloody time you stop in at Melbourne! Merry Christmas

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Merry Christmas to you and your family. Please be safe...

[@MrPiggywig]

I learnt my lesson years ago when my suitcase got lost at FRA. I now pack a t shirt/boxershorts/and socks in my hand luggage. Also we split our clothes in both suitcases when travelling with my wife. Lost luggage is a pain.

[@ianrsa8422]

I have a Samsung tracker in my bag for exactly this reason. No waiting in lines to see if your bag made, just go stra8ght and report . Love 5o see the journey your bag makes. Keep us updated. Enjoyed the video, thanks Noel. 😊

[@ianrsa8422]

Sorry about the spelling 😅

[@WhakataneMaori]

I just purchased two yesterday for this reason. Cant wait to use them on my upcoming flights

[@withwolves100]

Wow? This is useful - Samsung has told you your bag is lost and which country it is in …and how exactly is this going to help you when you need new clothes? - you still have no clothes… 🤪

[@ianrsa8422]

@withwolves100 I would not have gotten them back if I didn't tell them where the bag was

[@sandrahekman5256]

I really love that Singapore airport hotel room. Small, but terribly cosy!

[@jamessmith1652]

Sucks badly what happened with your bag but yeah a multi-leg journey by definition has no contingency, this kind of thing is always a risk. You kept good spirits!

[@brodietaym8475]

With your level of experience as a traveler, I'm surprised you didn't carry on some Essentials as a backup. I'm also surprised that they closed security at Noumea airport for so long. With your situation I thought they would make an exception and let you in to use the lounge. Also it seems like the ground staff in Sydney were polite so I wasn't sure what the problem was?

[@Thomas-hs1ht]

Thanks noel for the flight report ! And , for all foreigners , New Caledonia is a part of France, with is own local governement ! The currency is Pacific Franc and normally euro in few years. Merry Christmas !

[@eacoincmubiru5894]

Thanks for this info.

[@valuetraveler2026]

enough reason to avoid it if the French are still running it

[@gunvaldsandhaland7757]

I Have not flew Whit AirCalin Yet.Great Work

[@user-bc2nn1yv5o]

I love your content Noel!! Keep going, I want to see more!

[@noelphilips]

Thank you!

[@l3v1ckUK]

You could excuse missing bags if they missed a tight connection, but not if they didn't make the original flight.

[@Tidybitz]

I've had my case lost twice before, once on an American Airlines flight to Miami and again to Miami the following year but with United Airlines. Luckily I got it returned eventually to my hotel after a couple of days, but I know how maddening it is and with the faffing about trying to sort it out. I felt your annoyance too.

[@dipaola702]

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

[@blythesmile]

The ad was hilarious as were the music selections 🤣🤣🤣 💯

[@dangertomarketing]

You could have just head down to the city - Noel reviews of yesterday were about exploring things outside of the airports. Today, we get a review of business class seat on a rare airline (thanks for that), and a sea of bad mood woke-neyss when IRROPs happen. Traveled over 2.4M miles in my life, had the strangest things happen - yet was always grateful for being able to live the life the way I made it for myself and my family. You traveled to paradise, and decided to made it hell for yourself. Cut out of your self-inflicted doubts and depression mate. Go and explore. Sam, Josh and you are very dear content creators, move beyond the airports and complaints please.

[@bullfrog24260]

I am having trouble keeping up with all your travels .. it’s such fun watching your trips .. ❤

[@camotech1314]

Love these longer episodes 😍

[@andrewnewby6923]

Have a happy Christmas and New year

[@woutergijs5246]

Sorry Noël (= Christmas in French 😂) but this time many subscribers seem to disagree with you. As you went through immigration , at midday , you could have crossed the street and gone inside the Auchan! They even have food over there. You could have gone to the ocean 5 minutes away The airline food looked great. Ok that you don’t like wine. But looking down so ignorant on a premium wine as Pommard??? That costs 20-30€ at least. Everything looked great on board. Except of that 1 loose piece. Probably a supply problem of spare parts. You cannot blame that airport and/or airline not to be well prepared for transit passengers. New Calledonia is an end destination.

[@andyelliott3198]

Shame you couldn't have stayed in New Caledonia for a day, there are some beautiful beaches and Noumea has some nice period architecture and stunning marina's. Plus you might have been able to get your bag back in Noumea but that's hindsight for you, eh! Life is a B**ch sometimes.

[@moniquevarin1908]

New Caledonia is absolutely fantastic. Magical beauty in certain areas, terrific beaches and fabulous islands (ile des Pins)

[@nickisrael9922]

Hi Noel. After 30 plus years of flying I travel with only carry-on stuff... I've learnt. I hope you've learnt too...on a bad and ugly way. Merry Christmas buddy from Colombia

[@samevans6521]

Excellent accomodation in Singapore. That is all you need for a few hours.

[@hi-tech55]

Losing luggage, as bad as it may be is one thing but the airline has to take responsibility for the situation, to make sure that you could continue your trip without anymore stress. If they were going to supply an emergency kit, that was a poor excuse for one. I agree totally unacceptable customer services.

[@BlenderBends]

I flew AirClain about 10 years ago to New Caledonia for a holiday from Aust as well. Its a really strange place, An Island in the Pacific Ocean where everything is French. and you pay 4X the cost as they fly it all in from France. But I found the staff really didn't seem to give a rats ar$e about anything. It was like im lucky to be flying with them. Had issues at checking like you did and my bag as well . Said I would never fly with them again. Could be such a better experience for the Air line and the Country.

[@skyhawk_4526]

So, you're saying it's French. 😏

[@alexlegamer491]

I agree with you that the country is in the middle of the Pacific. But I think you didn't visit it well. You may be staying in Noumea. But the most beautiful places are outside Noumea.

[@gre894]

It’s not a country

[@jer280]

​@@skyhawk_4526just as much as being in France as the ivory Coast

[@caromurray6152]

Flown to New Caledonia a couple of times & enjoyed Air Calin ( food was very good). The airport at Noumea is a long way out & there wasn’t much there, so not an ideal place to spend 6 hours. On the way back they ran out of landing cards for Australia in English. Managed to fill the French one in ( good practice) but had to re do it when I got to Sydney in English!

[@davearnold1139]

Happy Christmas to. And your family

[@glennmcpherson4270]

Noel Noel Noel, I'm not aware of any person that travels for business, like you and doesn't pack smalls and T-shirt in their carry-on luggage.Yes, the ground handling agent misplaced your bag (a first world problem) however did you research the transit facilities in Noumea. You seemed to enjoy the food and lie-flat bed.

[@rodgonzalez2367]

Noel, we all know how great it is to fly business all the time and regardless how bad it is, it is still a hell better than the middle seat in the back. So how about giving your audience an 18 hour flight in coach and in the middle seat just like most of all paxs have the pleasure of doing. Remember, not all paxs get free upgrades and/or free tickets just to get you to show them in your blog. Flying business does not represent what 99 percent of the paxs gets to do. By the way, welcome to the USA.

[@Hillbillyhotcouple]

Sorry for your experience. Another great video.

[@noelphilips]

Thanks for watching!

[@gen11january]

disappointing flight especially with an aircraft with such a beautiful paint job! If only I knew you were coming this way. Hope you enjoyed your stay in Japan!

[@paulpietruszewski4226]

Looks like we are in for the Dunder Mifflin t-shirt for the next few videos... might be a bit ripe before you get back to Texas. ;)

[@Jbrizzle92]

Dunder mifflin top has seen better days😂

[@Ryuuranger]

Fun Fact: New Caledonia 🇳🇨 is French Overseas Territory not a country btw Noel Merry Christmas from Japan 🇯🇵

[@michaelreid8857]

Your telling this to a bloke who also doesn’t realize that America is two continents with 40 + countries and not just one country! Unfortunately, our friend Noel, is a tad bit Geographically and politically challenged!