Tag Archives: award flight

Trip Report: First Class ANA and Asiana Airlines Europe-Asia

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Yet another amazing First Class experience came to an end, and there is much to remember and review!

This time I was lucky to get 2 seats on ANA First Class flight between London and Tokyo, which took me approximately 4 months to make it happen. Read more about ANA 2 seats reservation tricks here.

Route: CPH-LHR-HND-CGK-BKK-ICN-FRA-CPH
Points used: 95 000 SAS EuroBonus / person
Departure: December 25
Return: January 8
Travel time: over 60h
Classes: 2 First (ANA and Asiana), 4 Business (ANA, Thai and SAS), 1 Economy (SAS)

Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge in London Heathrow Airport

Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge in Heathrow Airport is located in The Queen’s Terminal (satellite pier T2B), next door to the Business Class lounge. It can be easily found by following signs in the airport.

The service was nice and polite, decent a la carte menu for breakfast and lunch, a small buffet of ready dishes, and proper table service. The area is quite small with a very dated and sad looking decor.

During morning hours the lounge is not crowded, allowing visitors to relax, enjoy a glass of champagne and do some airplane spotting.

United Global First Class Lounge in London Heathrow Airport

United Global First Lounge in London Heathrow Airport is the second and last First Class Lounge options for all StarAlliance travellers. Located just a few minutes away from Singaporian Lounge, I found United Global First Lounge to offer much better and pleasant environment.

It also provides a la carte menu, wide selection of drinks and quite interesting “old school” decoration, which I personally found to be quite cool.

This would be my #1 recommendation for First Class passengers in London Heathrow Airport.

ANA First Class Suite (NH 212) London to Tokyo review

One of the hardest flights to book for 2 persons, which took me more than 3 months to actually book.

Amazing experience in ANA First Class Suites onboard of B777-300ER. Positive sides: great service, delicious Krug champagne and tasty food.

However, the cabin design is quite annoying if you’re traveling with a companion. Why? Read the full review and watch the video.

ANA First Class Lounge Tokyo Haneda Airport review

Freshly after arriving on ANA First Class Suites, ANA First Class Lounge in Haneda Airport provides a relaxing and fun experience after the trip.

The lounge is very spacious and comfy, polite and attentive service topped by one of my favorite champagnes Ayala, and a pleasant atmosphere.

It’s definitely a lounge to put on a “to-visit list”, but far away from Lufthansa First Class Lounges in Munich and Frankfurt.

ANA Business Class (NH 855) Tokyo to Jakarta review

This 9 hours flight from Tokyo to Jakarta is operated by Dreamliner B787, which I personally dislike.

However, ANA airlines has long-haul business class seat modification installed for this route. It’s definitely more comfortable than usual mid-ranged Dreamliner seats, as it’s offering fully flat beds.

As usual ANA has spot-on service, accompanied by a decent food and drinks menu.

Thai Airways Royal Silk Business Class (TG 436) Jakarta to Bangkok review

New Thai Airways Royal Silk Business Class cabin onboard Dreamliner B787.

A very, very pleasant surprise! Despite the business cabin not being the most advanced and private one, it looked very nice, felt fresh and was very comfortable.

As usual, Thai Airways provided very attentive, positive and smiling service, as well as tasty food and Veuve Cliquot champagne 🙂

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa Panorama (Executive) Lounge review

I think TripAdvisor and endless booking webpages show relatively accurate picture of Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort at Karon Beach.

I just make a short review of the Panorama (Executive) Lounge, which can be accessed by Hilton Honors Diamond members or by booking Deluxe/Royal suite.

Overall, it works more like a bar than a lounge, but it’s a damn good bar by Thailand measurements, providing free drinks and a stunning sunset view :)!

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Class / StarAlliance Gold Lounge in Bangkok Airport

Relatively new StarAlliance Gold / SilverKris Business Class Lounge in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.

It’s a bit tricky to find as there’re no clear signs, so it took me more than 15 minutes to find it.

Overall, I think it’s the best StarAlliance Business Class Lounge in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, and let me explain you why…

EVA Air Business Class / StarAlliance Gold Lounge in Bangkok Airport

The newest StarAlliance Gold Lounge by EVA Air in Bangkok Airport.

It looks very cool from outside, but inside it’s a complete disaster.

I cannot understand who could have possibly agreed on such interior design within a “Business Class” Lounge concept. The lounge looks more like a nightclub, strip club, cheap bar, than a business class lounge.

Ridiculous lightning, poisonous colours and labirynt walks, read more why I personally hated this lounge….

Air France / KLM / SkyTeam Business Class Lounge in Bangkok Airport review

The only SkyTeam Elite lounge in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, which serves Air France, KLM, SkyTeam and PriorityPass travelers.

To my biggest surprise, it was the brightest and the best decorated lounge out of 4 lounges I’ve visited in Bangkok Airport. Very clean, with reasonable food and drinks selection, proper working and relaxing areas, combined with a nice view over the terminal.

Thai Airways Royal Silk Business Class (TG 658) Bangkok to Seoul review

Good, old and ugly Thai Airways Boeing 747 upper-deck Business Class cabin…

I’ve taken this flight previously in First Class cabin. Clearly, it was a nicer experience to fly First than Business, but with a new improvement of Veuve Clicquot champagne being served in Thai Royal Silk Business Class, I just cannot complain on it!

So we had Veuve, and then more Veuve, and some more Veuve and a bit more of fresh and refreshing Veuve… If you look for more details, please read the short review (better if you have a glass of Veuve Clicquot in your hands).

Asiana Airlines First Class Suites (OZ 541) Seoul to Frankfurt review

Asiana Airlines is one of the easiest award flights to book, and yet the most exciting flight to take.

I could list 100s of ANA, Lufthansa, Thai and Singaporean First Class issues, but with Asiana it’s just 2 – severe champagne/wine deficit and uncomfortable bedding. The rest of Asiana Airlines A380’s experience was amazing!

Simply the best food onboard (Bibimbap!!!), polite and fun service, comfortable cabin and… Did I mention amazing food and service?

After enjoying the exceptional service and culinary delights on Asiana Airlines, we can’t help but daydream about our next adventure. Australia, with its mesmerizing landscapes and pristine beaches, is calling our names louder than ever.While our flight on Asiana Airlines had a couple of minor hiccups like the champagne/wine shortage and bedding, it was an overall thrilling experience. The outstanding food, especially the mouthwatering Bibimbap, and the polite, fun, and attentive service left an indelible mark on our travel memories.

Now, as we contemplate our next journey, we can’t help but imagine how the beautiful beaches of Australia will enchant us. From the world-famous Bondi Beach in Sydney to the remote and untouched stretches of sand along the Western Australian coast especially Merimbula, Australia promises to be a beach lover’s paradise.The thought of sinking our toes into the warm, golden sands, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves, and enjoying the sunny Australian weather is incredibly enticing. Whether it’s snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef or simply relaxing on the pristine shores, Australia offers a beach experience like no other.We look forward to trading our cabin seats for beach loungers and experiencing the magic of Australia’s coastline, all while savoring the memories of our remarkable flight with Asiana Airlines

SAS increases Award Upgrade points

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SAS silently increased amount of EuroBonus points required for an upgrade at the airport. The amount  increased by 10 000 for all combinations, reaching maximum of 50 000 per upgrade from SAS Go to SAS Business.

New SAS upgrade redemption chart

Award upgrade with SAS
  Before  Now
Upgrade in advanced or at the airport
 Points per flight
From SAS Go to SAS Plus
 15 000
 25 000
From SAS Plus to SAS Business 25 000 35 000
From SAS Go to SAS Business 40 000 50 000

 

It has not affected the Upgrade Bidding system (yet?), which you can use before departure to bid EuroBonus points or cash for an upgrade. 

It is bad news, as SAS might continue devaluating EuroBonus points value. We might see Star Alliance award flights redemption increase in the near future, and let’s hope SAS will not do it same quietly!

Turkish Airlines: Miles & Smiles 35% Miles Discount to Europe and Middle East

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Turkish Airlines is running 35% Miles discount promotion for award flights to/from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW).

Promotion is valid for award tickets booked in Economy and Business Class cabins between April 10 and May 31 2017 with many destinations in Europe and Middle East.

Turkish Airlines: Miles & Smiles 35% Miles Discount

Turkish Airlines: Miles & Smiles 35% Miles Discount


Turkish Airlines: Miles & Smiles 35% Miles Discount

It is a great opportunity to experience Turkish Airlines great catering service in Business Class, however, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is less convenient in terms of public transportation with the city.

35% Miles & Smiles discount will be applied for all flights

From Istanbul (SAW) to/from Europe:

London (LGW), Amsterdam (AMS), Brussels (BRU), Vienna (VIE), Berlin (TXL), Munich (MUC), Stuttgart (STR), Düsseldorf (DUS), Frankfurt (FRA), Tbilisi (TBS), Barcelona (BCN), Milano (MXP), Rome (FCO), Paris (CDG)

From Istanbul (SAW) to/from Middle East:

Kuwait (KWI), Bahrain (BAH), Tehran (IKA), Tel Aviv (TLV), Dubai (DXB), Dammam (DMM), Jeddah (JED), Medine (MED) and Riyadh (RUH)

Other Terms and Conditions:

  • %35 Mileage promotion will include the award tickets which are issued as of 10 April  2017
  • Promotional award tickets shall be issued  10 April  2017– 31 May  2017
  • This promotion is valid for all Miles&Smiles all award tickets (one way/round trip award tickets ,companion tickets) and upgrades
  • The promotion is valid for all Turkish Airlines  all economy  and business reservation classes.
  • The related promotion will be applied only for Turkish Airlines scheduled flights. Promotion is not permitted on Turkish Airlines codeshare flights (TK8000) and for the award tickets issued for the Star Alliance member airline flights.
  • The routes within different award regions cannot be combined
  • For issued award tickets in promotion, 31 May ıs 2017 is considered about any mileage refunds, rebookings and re-routings and they are subject to penalty. All rebookings and re routings can be applied within the exact same route and class.  Mileage refund can be done within 1 year after the ticket issuance date.
  • The general conditions applied in Miles&Smiles award tickets are also applicable for award tickets issued in this campaign.
  • Taxes must be paid while ticketing.
  • Turkish Airlines; reserves the right to change terms and conditions, definitions or other information, or to cancel the campaign at any time.

SAS EuroBonus 30% discount for award flights

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SAS EuroBonus is running 2 days promotion on award flights with Scandinavian Airlines and Widerøe.

Flights between Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Milan, Paris, Rome and Vienna:

SAS Go for 21,000 instead of 30,000 points.

SAS Plus for 35,000 instead of 50,000 points.

Travel between: August 21–December 16, 2017

Flights between Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Beijing, Shanghai and Chicago

SAS Go for 42,000 instead of 60,000 points.

SAS Plus for 56,000 instead of 80,000 points. (SAS Business is excluded from promotion)

Travel between: October 23, 2017–March 13, 2018

 

Book SAS EuroBonus award flights with 30% discount during March 24-26, 2017.

 

YQ fuel surcharges in Brazil now allowed

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Caralho gente…

Starting from today, Brazilian government has allowed all airlines to start charging hideous YQ surcharges, better knows as fuel surcharges. Every traveller knows those pesky charges imposed by airlines, which makes any sort of cheap airfare skyrocket in price. Even more, YQ surcharges are usually accounted for most of the price of award tickets with any airline.

New regulation is available in Brazilian Portuguese, in case you are fluent in it.

As it is a fresh new regulation, so far only TAP Portugal Airlines introduced fuel surcharges on their flights from Brazil (charges flying TO Brazil were always there). YQ charge for flying Economy from Sao Paulo to Lisbon is approx. 90 EUR and Business class is almost 200 EUR.

YQ-charges-brazil-tap

TAP Portugal YQ fuel surcharges

All other major airlines flying from Brazil, including Lufthansa, United, Turkish, British Airways, LATAM, Air France, KLM and etc etc etc, have not introduced YQ fuel surcharges yet, but it does feel like it’s only a question of time.

Airline prices in Latin America have been always ridiculous, and now we can expect one more bump up, as soon as other airlines catch up with speedy TAP Portugal.

EuroBonus 3.0, what to expect from SAS?

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One of SAS’s big boys, Eivind Roald (yeap, that typical scandinavian from the photo, who also happened to be Executive Vice President Commercial. Member of SAS Group Management) briefly mentioned during one of interviews about SAS project “Loyalty 3.0”, which gained wide popularity among EuroBonus frequent flyers as SAS EuroBonus 3.0 program.

There was no official release date announced, but was expected to kick in somewhere around end of 2016, or beginning of 2017. It’s almost mid March of 2017 and there has not been any news related to EuroBonus 3.0.

What are the possible changes to SAS EuroBonus 3.0?

Continue reading →

ANA new A380 route and livery from Haneda to Hawaii

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ANA (All Nippon Airlines) has just revealed its order for 3 new Airbus A380, which will be operated on ANA’s most popular vacation route from Tokyo Haneda airport to Hawaii Honolulu.

Look at this A380 beauty!

ANA-A380 Haneda Honolulu

ANA-A380 Haneda Honolulu

And the best part is, it will be equipped with ANA First Class cabin. This means, in 2019 (expected start of operating A380 for HND-HNL route) we all will be able to try fresh ANA First Class cabin on the way to amazing Hawaii.

Surely, the availability of the seats is always a question when it comes to ANA first class flights. Let’s hope they will be releasing at least 2 seats at a time and will not exclude Star Alliance partners from booking First Class flights on A380, as Singapore Airlines does it.

And to make the most of this unforgettable journey, consider enhancing your Hawaiian experience by indulging in the convenience of scooter rentals. Thanks to services like scooterrentalhawaii.com, you can effortlessly roam the charming streets of Honolulu, discovering hidden treasures and immersing yourself in the island’s vibrant culture. Picture yourself cruising along the scenic coastline, the Hawaiian sun warming your skin as you embark on adventures made effortless by the flexibility of a scooter. This perfect blend of luxury in the skies and freedom on the roads is sure to create cherished memories of your Hawaiian escapade, making your trip an unforgettable, seamless experience from start to finish.

Thai Airways Royal First Class review: Bangkok to Milan on TG940

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Thai Airways Royal First Class review

Thai Airways has several first class routes from Bangkok to Europe. They fly directly to London, Paris, Milan and Munich. While London and Paris routes get to enjoy new Thai first class cabin on A380, routes to Munich and Milan on Boeing 474 have an old cabin.

I was sceptical about taking an old cabin flight, irrespectively of the airline, it is usually worse experience than a new cabin. For sure, would not like to take old Lufthansa First Class cabin.

Thai first class flight came as a pleasant surprise after not so impressive Thai Royal First lounge in Bangkok.

 

Cabin overview

As expected, the cabin was looking old. Very old. The oldest one so far. Let me tell you, it was older than I am and it didn’t even have a wall between First Class and Business Class, it was only a curtain separator.

 

My power outlet refused to work during entire flight, so had no way of charging my phone. Thanks to Xiaomi powerbank bought in Malaysia to keep it working.

Thai Royal First cabin on 747 is located on the lower deck, meaning you have boring wardrobe in front of you to stare at during 10-12 hours of flying. It is a common issue for any airline using lower deck for first class. Yes, it’s more spacious area, but damn the wardrobe is boring, even if you put some screensaver on it.
Surely the seat transforms into a flat bed (you can build your own with Sleep Essentials), which is quite comfortable but not as  much as competitors renovated  first class seats. Also, Thai Royal First lacks an additional mattress under, which results in you feeling each single corner and pointy part of the seat.

Entertainment system


Have no idea about how good or bad Thai entertainment system is…

I’m always way too drunk to remember or even try to use it, when I’m flying first class on any Star Alliance flight.

Food and drinks served in Thai Royal First class

The most important part of any first class flight, is definitely what champagne is served on board. Thai Airlines Royal First does not disappoint here. They serve Dom Perignon Vintage 2006, and have it enough in stock, compared to Asiana First Class flight Seoul (ICN) to Frankfurt (FRA).


My next favourite part, black caviar. Delicious, luxurious, fishy and yammy.


It is served on a nice pearl plate and accompanied by what is called “traditional garnishes”. As Russian who knows what black caviar is, I can tell you that much: egg and sour cream are not traditional black caviar garnishes. Either eat it on a piece or bread, or better blini, or just straight up. Do not destroy poor delicious black caviar by mixing it all together with onion, sour cream, egg and lemon juice. You destroy all the flavour!


Amuse bouche is nothing to remember. Some nuts, some pate on a piece of bread and a wrap with coconut rice.


Appetizer was not my favourite either. Some meat slices with veggies. For my taste, it was more of a school lunch.
I ordered one of the Thai Royal First Class signature dishes, their butter lobster. I guess it is as good as you can expect from a lobster flying 10km above the ground.

As any seafood, especially so delicate as lobster, if it is not prepared fresh, it becomes rubbery and tasteless. It was a bit heavy and rubbery, but was eatable for airline meal. So for, Thai Airways Royal First has nothing on Asiana First Class on food side.


Desert… Fruits… Melon, pineapple, watermelon and dragonfruit. Nothing that is not available in Thailand on each corner.

Thai Royal First Amenity kit

I love airlines amenity kits, when they are good.


These tiny Rimowa luggage cases became iconic and always get frequent flyers excited! Some travellers even change their travel dates to catch a particular amenity kit, if it is offered seasonally.

Thai Royal First amenity kit is a similar to Lufthansa First Class Rimowa amenity kit, but only on the outside.


While Lufthansa First Class is offering superior La Prairie cosmetics and Swiss Smile toothpaste, Thai Airlines Royal First settles for some cheap Monteil creams and unknown dental supplements.

Service:

After several travels to Thailand with Thai economy class and generally annoying experience with endless tuk tuk, massage and ping pong offers, Thai First Class service was a pleasant surprise. The flight attendants were very professional, attentive and yet not overwhelming. They were always there to serve another glass of Dom Peringon and fix anything needed during the flight.

Overall:

Thai Airways Royal First definitely has a room for improvement, starting with Royal First Lounge in Bangkok and putting more effort in amenity kit products.

Even though Dom Perignon is a great champagne option, the wine list could be improved, as none of offered wines were tasting particularly good.

Food is simply good enough, not as great as Asiana First Class Bibimbap, but definitely not lagging behind Lufthansa and ANA.

SAS Enjoy x2 points private offer

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Following the 25th anniversary EuroBonus points bargain offer, SAS sent out email to all Gold and Diamond members, which includes a personal link to Enjoy x2 Points sign-up.

You can sign up for  double the points offer before 1st of March.  You would receive x2 EuroBonus points on all SAS travels between 6th March and 10th April 2017.

Note:

  • Double points received are EuroBonus Extra points, which are not counting towards status qualification.
  • Only reservations made after signing up and made on SAS webpage would get double points. Previous reservations do not qualify.

It’s a very generous offer, especially if you have SAS long haul flight in Business Class.  If you have a business class trip already booked within those dates, you might consider cancelling it and rebooking after signing for x2 points offer. 20+k points are very handy.