Home time today! I fly back to Auckland after just over 24h stop in Sydney. I took the shuttle from the hostel to the airport instead of the train as it was AUD7 cheaper (AUD12 instead of nearly AUD18). It takes just a little bit longer; both modes have their overhead times (eg walking to/from and waiting for the train vs waiting for the shuttle and picking up at other hostels).
I got to China Airlines (of Taiwan) counter a few minutes before it opened and was processed swiftly. Immigration and security took 40 minutes though. Despite being swift-moving, the countless zigzags were long. I managed to get about 90 minutes in the lounge before boarding my flight home.
The flight proved very pleasant even though when I analysed it, nothing was terribly special. Perhaps it was the relaxed manner of the staff, the simple quick meal service and the soothing colours in the cabin. The China Airlines flight was cheap too; comparable to budget airlines but with meals and luggage. It was a little more expensive than staff standby tickets and the difference was worth paying for to ensure peace-of-mind after an amazing and trouble-free two-month journey.