Category Archives: airlines

Singapore Airlines A380 Business Class: SYD to SIN

Posted on March 23, 2013 | 8 Comments

Fiji Trip Report Index
Introduction: Belgium to Fiji in 13 flights (26561 miles, 42746km)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Singapore Airlines First Class: The Private Room @ Changi Airport
Singapore Airlines First Class: SQ211 Singapore to Sydney B777-300A
Opera King room at Park Hyatt Sydney
Beachfront View room at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Singapore Airlines Business Class: SQ232 Sydney to Singapore
Thai Airways First Class: Royal Orchid Spa, TG920 Bangkok to Frankfurt A380
Singapore-Airlines-Business-Class-A380
Pic: Singapore Airlines Business Class on A380
For my return from Fiji to Singapore, I used the same Singapore Airlines glitch as I did for my outbound flights.  I booked Nadi-Auckland-Sydney-Singapore at 25K United miles + $115 (€96) Taxes/Fees with NAN-AKL in Air New Zealand The Works Economy Class, AKL-SYD in Air New Zealand Business Class and
SYD-SIN in Singapore Airlines Business Class on the A380.  I had 23500 miles left in my United MileagePlus account at the time of booking, 1500 miles short to book the award.  20K miles were bought (€348, $452) via a United 40% discount offer on purchased miles in Apr 2012, the remaining 3500 miles still in my account from the Continental OnePass / United MileagePlus merger.  As I had to act fast to make use of the Singapore Airlines glitch, I accepted the United offer to buy the remaining miles at $70 (€58) for 2000 miles.  Must have been the most expensive miles I ever bought!  Total cost: 20K miles €348 + 3500 miles in account + 1500 miles bought during booking process €58 + Taxes/Fees €96 = €502 for an award ticket with a revenue value of  > €3000!  Unfortunately, I suffered food poisoning after eating a Subway sandwich in Auckland, so I didn’t have any food nor took pictures on my Air New Zealand AKL-SYD and Singapore Airlines SYD-SIN Business Class flights.  Guess I’ll have to fly them once more to make a picture report and enjoy the food! :)

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Singapore Airlines First Class: SQ211 to Sydney

Posted on March 16, 2013 | 8 Comments

Fiji Trip Report Index
Introduction: Belgium to Fiji in 13 flights (26561 miles, 42746km)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Singapore Airlines First Class: The Private Room @ Changi Airport
Singapore Airlines First Class: SQ211 Singapore to Sydney B777-300A
Opera King room at Park Hyatt Sydney
Beachfront View room at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Singapore Airlines Business Class: SQ232 Sydney to Singapore
Thai Airways First Class: Royal Orchid Spa, TG920 Bangkok to Frankfurt A380

Pic: Singapore Airlines First Class Seat 1F on Boeing 777-300 (Jan 2013)
Back in July 2012, Singapore Airlines made a mistake while upgrading their booking engine.  They took it offline for a weekend long upgrade, but when their systems came back online, for a brief moment (24h), it was possible to book Singapore Airlines Business and First Class awards via frequent flyer programs of Star Alliance partners.  This was unintentional, as they normally release longhaul C and F award space exclusively to their own loyalty program, KrisFlyer.  I used this opportunity to book Singapore-Sydney-Auckland-Nadi for 45K United miles + $159,70 (€132) Taxes/Fees with SIN-SYD in Singapore Airlines First Class, SYD-AKL in Air New Zealand Business Class and AKL-NAN in Air New Zealand The Works Economy Class.  This routing is also a great sweet spot on the United MileagePlus Award Chart: A First Class award ticket from Singapore to Sydney or Auckland normally requires 60K United miles, however routing via Australia and/or New Zealand to anywhere in Oceania is only 45K miles!

Pic: SQ First Class – Givenchy Sleeper Suit and Kiehl’s Amenity kit (Jan 2013)
So how did I get hold of the 45K United MileagePlus miles required for this award?  The obvious way would have been by flying, but I haven’t deposited any of my flown miles in my United MileagePlus account in the past two years.  Instead I try to buy miles as cheap as possible throughout the year.  In this case, I bought 98,000 Wyndham Rewards points for $308 (€237,85) during the yearly U.S. Travel Association “Daily Getaways” campaign and converted them to 39,200 United MileagePlus miles.  With 9K miles left in my account from the Continental OnePass and United MileagePlus merger, I had enough miles to cover the remaining 5800 miles required for this award.
Total cost: 39K miles €237,85 + 5800 miles in account + Taxes/Fees €132 =
€369,85 for an award ticket with a revenue value of  > €6000!
Pic: Singapore Airlines First Class – Dom Perignon Champagne (Jan 2013)
The retrofitted Boeing 777-300 had 8 seats in First Class of which only two were occupied.  As I was the only passenger having Dom Perignon Champagne, the crew continuously refilled my glass, even replacing the glass when it was still half full just to make sure I would only drink perfectly chilled champagne! :)  

Pic: Singapore Airlines First Class – Champagne and Warm Nuts (Jan 2013)
As with every international First Class flight, the menu was extensive:
Lunch menu from Singapore to Sydney (1,2,3)
Cocktails and Aperitifs (1)
Champagne and Wines (1,2)
Spirits and Beers (1)
Non Alcoholic Beverages (1,2)
Coffee Selection (1,2)
Tea Selection (1)

Pic: Singapore Airlines First Class – Chilled Malossol Caviar (Jan 2013)
One of the highlights on a First Class flight: Caviar, just love it!

Pic: Fennel cream soup with mint seared scallop and small pasta (Jan 2013)

Pic: Singapore Airlines First Class Dining – Ceasar Salad (Jan 2013)

Pic: SQ Book the Cook – Wagyu Sirloin with Eringi Mushroom (Jan 2013)
Singapore Airlines offers Business and First Class passengers the possibility to pre-order their main course up to 24h before departure.  I used the Book the Cook service to order Wagyu Sirloin with Eringi Mushroom from the Japanese menu.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t too impressed with the quality of the meat, next time I’ll go for a Singaporean dish or the Boston Lobster Thermidor.
Pic: Macaroon with Pistachio Cream, Fresh Raspberries & Passionfruit sorbet

Pic: Singapore Airlines First Class – Macaroon and Sorbet Dessert (Jan 2013)
While it was a relatively short (8h) daytime flight from Singapore to Sydney, one of the Singapore Girls had prepared seat 2F in full flat bed mode to allow me to take a nap and watch a movie in all comfort.  Having flown a few First Class flights now, I realize being one of the only passengers in the First Class cabin is a big plus!

Pic: Singapore Airlines First Class Bed on Boeing 777-300A (Jan 2013)

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Singapore Airlines First Class: The Private Room

Posted on March 13, 2013 | 10 Comments

Fiji Trip Report Index
Introduction: Belgium to Fiji in 13 flights (26561 miles, 42746km)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Singapore Airlines First Class: The Private Room @ Changi Airport
Singapore Airlines First Class: SQ211 Singapore to Sydney B777-300A
Opera King room at Park Hyatt Sydney
Beachfront View room at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Singapore Airlines Business Class: SQ232 Sydney to Singapore
Thai Airways First Class: Royal Orchid Spa, TG920 Bangkok to Frankfurt A380

Pic: Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge at Changi Airport (Jan 2013)
When flying Singapore Airlines First Class from Changi Airport, you’re in for an extraordinary lounge treatment: The Private Room.  No guests, no Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Elite Members flying business or coach, no Star Alliance First Class passengers.  This lounge is reserved exclusively for passengers holding Singapore Airlines First Class boarding passes.  In exchange you get personalized and highly attentive service away from the crowds.

Pic: Invitation ‘The Private Room’ by Singapore Airlines First Class (Jan 2013)
My flight SQ211 from Singapore to Sydney was leaving at 9:40am, so I had to wake-up early to experience the Private Room.  Fortunately, I was staying at the Crowne Plaza Changi Aiport which is connected to Terminal 3 and walking distance from the Singapore Airlines First Class Check-in Reception.  The First Class Reception has a separate driveway for limos to pull-up.  As I wanted the full experience, I exited Terminal 3 and walked up the First Class Check-in Reception.  A porter took care of my luggage and a polite ”Passenger Relations Officer” escorted me to a marble desk where I was seated while my check-in formalities were taking care of.  Next was a dedicated immigration line where I was the only passenger present.  After immigration, a Singapore Airlines lounge agent escorted me to The Private Room which is connected to the SQ T3 First Class lounge.
Pic: Seating Area at The Private Room, Changi Airport Singapore (Jan 2013)
The Private Room has its own restaurant where you can order “A la Carte” or serve yourself at a buffet.  Here’s a picture of the Breakfast Menu.  I went for Egg Benedict and a fresh orange juice, tasty!
Pic: Bart Lapers at The Private Room Singapore Airlines First Class (Jan 2013)
 
Pic: Dining Area at The Private Room, T3 Changi Airport Singapore (Jan 2013)
After breakfast, I relaxed a bit in one of the comfortable leather sofa’s before heading to the gate for my first Singapore Airlines First Class flight.

Pic: Leather Seats The Private Room, Singapore Airlines First Class (Jan 2013)

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Thai Airways A380 Royal First Class

Posted on February 12, 2013 | 12 Comments

Fiji Trip Report Index
Introduction: Belgium to Fiji in 13 flights (26561 miles, 42746km)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Singapore Airlines First Class: The Private Room @ Changi Airport
Singapore Airlines First Class: SQ211 Singapore to Sydney B777-300A
Opera King room at Park Hyatt Sydney
Beachfront View room at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Singapore Airlines Business Class: SQ232 Sydney to Singapore
Thai Airways First Class: Royal Orchid Spa, TG920 Bangkok to Frankfurt A380
Pic: Thai Airways First Class Royal Orchid Spa – Treatment room (Jan 2013)
On my way back from Fiji to Brussels, I suffered food poisoning from eating a sandwich at Subway in Auckland.  Not an ideal situation if you still have 20,000km of flying ahead of you.  Fortunately I had an Air New Zealand Business Class ticket from Auckland to Sydney and a Singapore Airlines Business Class A380 ticket from Sydney to Singapore.  Not that I could enjoy any of the meals on those flights, but at least I had an opportunity to sleep comfortably.  My original plan was to have a one night stopover in Singapore and to continue to Amsterdam in KLM Economy class.  I had booked Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre using 25K Priority Club points for my stopover.  Arriving at the Holiday Inn, still feeling very weak from the food poisoning, I was informed my room was upgrade to a suite.  In a normal situation, I would have been excited about this, but feeling ill, I heard the person checking in next to me being offered a ‘better’ offer…. a 6pm late check-out.  I requested if I could exchange my upgrade for a 6pm late check-out which wasn’t a problem.  I slept until noon and ordered room service for a late breakfast (the staff were very helpful and caring, they prepared two meals to help me recover from my food poisoning)  I still wasn’t feeling very well and not looking forward to my KLM Economy class flight which was scheduled for 1am the next morning.  Fortunately, the United MileagePlus program offered me an awesome alternative.  Singapore to Bangkok in Thai Airways Business Class, Bangkok to Frankfurt in First Class on the brand new Thai Airways A380 and Frankfurt to Brussels in Business Class on Lufthansa.  Of course, this comfortable trip came at a price: 80,000 United miles and $133 in taxes and fees.  A paid Thai Airways BKK-FRA A380 First Class ticket would have been around €2750.  I bought the 80K United MileagePlus miles for €1086 via 4 transactions:

Add €103 ($133) in taxes and fees and you end up with a grand total of €1189 for my First Class alternative.  Not an amazing award ticket, but still 60% cheaper than buying the ticket.
Thai-Airways-First-Class-Royal-Orchid-Spa
Pic: Thai Airways First Class – Royal Orchid Spa, Bangkok Airport (Jan 2013)
Upon arrival in Bangkok, a ground staff member was holding a sign with my name at the aircraft door.  As the plane was not parked at a gate, I got a private car ride to the terminal followed by a golf cart ride to the Thai Royal First Lounge.  Once at the lounge I was offered my own private corner and iPad menu to order whatever food I liked.  I was also requested which Spa treatment I preferred and what time would suit me.  Flying Thai First Class from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport comes with a unique feature: a 60 minute Full Body Massage at the Royal Orchid Spa.  I went for the Touch of Silk Massage (Full Body Oil Massage) which was simply amazing!  The treatment rooms were stunning (definitely for an airport facility) and the staff were very welcoming and professional.
Pic: Thai Airways First Class A380 Cabin – Seats 1E and 1F (Jan 2013)
After the massage treatment and some light snacks, my Thai lounge host informed me the aircraft was ready for boarding.  Fortunately, I wasn’t offered another golf cart ride to the gate.  It was at walking distance from the lounge, and I made it before the other 11 passengers joining me in First Class (all 12 seats in were occupied).  I only had 2 minutes before the other passengers arrived, so I quickly snapped some pictures of the empty cabin.

Pic: Thai Airways First Class A380 Cabin – Seats 2E and 2F (Jan 2013)

Pic: Thai Airways First Class seat on Airbus A380 (Jan 2013)

Pic: Thai Airways First Class A380 Seat Controls (Jan 2013)

Pic: Thai Airways First Class A380 Dom Perignon Service (Jan 2013)
After stowing my carry-on luggage and jacket, I was offered a glass of Dom Perignon Vintage 2003 Champagne.
Pic: Thai Airways First Class A380 Dom Perignon (Jan 2013)

Pic: Thai Airways First Class A380 Cabin – Seat 2A (Jan 2013)
Beige is the dominant color in the Thai A380 First Class interior which makes me wonder how the cabin will look like in a year from now.  The A380 I was flying on was only a few months in service and already I spotted some stains and scratches on the delicate leather surfaces.  This is going to be quite a challenge for the cleaning and maintenance crews!

Pic: Thai Airways A380 First Class – Staircase to Business Class (Jan 2013)

Pic: Thai Airways A380 First Class – Sky Lounge Seating Area (Jan 2013)
Thai-Airways-First-Class-A380-Upper-Deck-Seating-Area
Pic: Thai Airways A380 First Class – Sky Lounge Seating Area (Jan 2013)
I didn’t find the Sky Lounge very appealing.  I guess nothing beats the Emirates A380 Business Class Bar.

Pic: Thai Airways A380 First Class – Restroom with BVLGARI Toiletries

Pic: Thai Airways A380 First Class – Restroom Seating Area (Jan 2013)

Pic: Thai Airways A380 First Class – Restroom Make-Up-Mirror (Jan 2013)

Pic: Thai Airways First Class Airbus A380 – Meal Service  (Jan 2013)

Pic: Thai Airways First Class Airbus A380 – Stolichnaya Vodka (Jan 2013)

Pic: Thai Airways First Class Airbus A380 – Calvisius Caviar (Jan 2013)
After we reached our cruising altitude, dinner service started.  As my stomach wasn’t recovered yet from the food poisoning, I only had the caviar (nothing will make me skip that!) and dessert.  Pictures of the drinks & wine menu (1,2,3) and dinner & breakfast menu (1,2)

Pic: Thai Airways First Class Airbus A380 – Calvisius Caviar (Jan 2013)

Pic: Thai Airways First Class Airbus A380 – Icecream (Jan 2013)
After dinner, it was time to convert my seat in an excellent fully flat bed.  The additional mattress combined with my Bose QuietComfort 15 headphones ensured a Smooth As Silk night of sleep… :)

Pic: Thai Airways First Class Airbus A380 – Fully Flat Bed (Jan 2013)

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Belgium to Fiji in 13 flights (26561 miles, 42746km)

Posted on February 2, 2013 | 8 Comments

Fiji Trip Report Index
Introduction: Belgium to Fiji in 13 flights (26561 miles, 42746km)
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur
Singapore Airlines First Class: The Private Room @ Changi Airport
Singapore Airlines First Class: SQ211 Singapore to Sydney B777-300A
Opera King room at Park Hyatt Sydney
Beachfront View room at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
Singapore Airlines Business Class: SQ232 Sydney to Singapore
Thai Airways First Class: Royal Orchid Spa, TG920 Bangkok to Frankfurt A380

Pic: Brussels, Belgium to Suva, Fiji return: 13 flights, 26561 miles (Jan 2013) What a way to start 2013! Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Singapore Airlines First Class to Sydney, Opera King room at Park Hyatt Sydney, Beachfront View room at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Thai Airways A380 First Class from Bangkok to Frankfurt… just to name a few highlights.
You can expect extensive coverage of my January trip in the coming weeks.
Let’s start with the airfares, how did I pull this one off?  I used four separate tickets: a KLM revenue economy class ticket (€571) BRU-AMS-SIN-AMS-FRA (of which I only used the outbound part) and three tickets booked with United MileagePlus miles.  Back in July 2012, Singapore Airlines made a mistake while upgrading their booking engine.  They took it offline for a weekend long upgrade, but when their systems came back online, for a brief moment (24h), it was possible to book Singapore Airlines Business and First Class awards via frequent flyer programs of Star Alliance partners.  This was unintentional, as they normally release longhaul C and F award space exclusively to their own loyalty program, KrisFlyer.  I used this opportunity to book SIN-SYD-AKL-NAN for 45K United miles (with SIN-SYD in SQ F, SYD-AKL in NZ C, and AKL-NAN in NZ Y) and NAN-AKL-SYD-SIN for 25K United miles (with NAN-AKL in NZ Y, AKL-SYD in NZ C and SYD-SIN in SQ C)  My third award ticket SIN-BKK-FRA-BRU was a last minute booking, again using United MileagePlus miles. (with SIN-BKK in TG C, BKK-FRA in TG F and FRA-BRU in LH C)   48 hours before departure, Thai Airways had released First Class award space for their brand new Airbus A380 flight from Bangkok to Frankfurt on January 24.  Albeit being quite expensive at 80K United miles, an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. :)

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Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport

Posted on September 23, 2012 | 7 Comments

French Polynesia Trip Report Index
Tahiti and Bora Bora – Flights & Airfares
Hilton Frankfurt Airport
Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport (Terminal 1, Departure Area B)
InterContinental Resort Tahiti
InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (site inspection)
InterContinental Resort and Spa Moorea
Pic: Entrance Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport opposite Gate B42
My early FRA-LHR flight (6:55am) combined with Lufthansa’s strike on Sep 7, offered a great opportunity to shoot some pictures of Lufthansa’s largest airport lounge without it being crowded.  Lufthansa Senator Lounge B (located at Terminal 1, departure area B, opposite to Gate B42) opened in July 2011.  Apart from all you’d expect from a premium lounge, it also features a wellness area (Senator Spa) with luxury facilities that include ten showers and two spa rooms.

Pic: City Lights Bar at Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport (Sep 2012)
Another addition to the Senator Lounge is the City Lights Bar where a bartender is in attendance to fulfil guests’ requests for drinks and mix cocktails.  You would like to enjoy this lounge too?  Access rules can be found here.
Pic: City Lights Bar at Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport (Sep 2012)

Pic: Seating Area at Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport (Sep 2012)

Pic: Seating Area at Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport T1, Area B

Pic: Food & Beverage Area at Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport

Pic: Breakfast at Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport (Sep 2012)

Pic: Breakfast at Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport T 1, Area B

Pic: Fresh Breakfast Yogurts at Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport

Pic: More seating space at Lufthansa Senator Lounge Frankfurt Airport

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