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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InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa

Posted on March 10, 2013 | 9 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: Club Infinity Pool at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa (Jan 2013)
The InterContinental Fiji Resort Map includes Restaurants & Bars and practical Fiji travel advice.  The InterContinental Fiji Concierge Guide includes info on how to get around, where to eat, drink, shop and what to discover more at Fiji.

Pic: Beachfront room 1114 at InterContinental Fiji Natadola Bay (Jan 2013)
Instead of paying FJD920 (€394, $514) per night for a Garden View room, I used the Priority Club Points + Cash trick to book my 4 night stay at InterContinental Fiji.  At 30K points per night, this resulted in $210 (€161) room rate.  Upon arrival at 11am I was told my Garden View room wasn’t ready yet, despite my Royal Ambassador status which guarantees 8am check-in, and no room upgrade would be given as I was staying on points.  When inquiring about my other Royal Ambassador benefits, the front desk agent responded he wasn’t sure and had to check.  As my Garden View room would only be ready by 2pm, I was suggested to wait at the Kama Lounge.  The bartender provided me with the cocktail menu and offered me a complementary drink to ease the wait.  After 15 minutes, the bartender still hadn’t returned to take my order so I asked him what was going on.  He told me his supervisor had informed him the complimentary drinks policy had changed and I would actually have to pay for my drink.  My stay at IC Fiji was off to a bad start… room wouldn’t be upgraded, front desk didn’t know if RA benefits applied or not (previous IC Fiji trip reports suggested they did including room upgrades) and a complimentary drink had to be paid for.  In this kind of situations I turn to Twitter to express my malcontent, which in many cases results in a satisfying solution.  I tweeted @IHGCare and @InterConFiji  and expressed my frustration.  Soon after, I was informed my Beachfront View room was ready, courtesy of the InterContinental Fiji marketing department.  For the Royal Ambassador benefits, local management confirmed they didn’t apply on point stays as per IHG Ambassador T&C.

Pic: Bedroom of Beachfront room 1114 at InterContinental Fiji (Jan 2013)

Pic: InterContinental Fiji – Beachfront room 1114 Terrace with Cleopatra Bath

Pure Fiji Bathroom Amenities at InterContinental Fiji Natadola Bay (Jan 2013)

Pic: InterContinental Fiji Resort & Spa – Beachfront View Rooms 11xx
Pic: InterContinental Fiji Resort & Spa – Natadola Bay Beach (Jan 2013)

Pic: Breakfast at Sanasana Restaurant, InterContinental Fiji (Jan 2013)

Pic: InterContinental Fiji Resort – Main Infinity Adults Only Pool (Jan 2013)

Pic: Dedon Nestrest at Club InterContinental Fiji Inifinity Pool (Jan 2013)

Pic: Wedding Chapel at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa (Jan 2013)

Pic: InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa – Indigenous band (Jan 2013)

Pic: Entrance InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa at night (Jan 2013)

Pic: Nighttime at Club InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa  (Jan 2013)

Pic: Sunset at Infinity Pool Club InterContinental Fiji (Jan 2013)

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Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

Posted on February 25, 2013 | 9 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: Bedroom Grand Suite 3109 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
Ever since my expat assignment in Kuala Lumpur (’07-’08) I’ve visited the capital of Malaysia on regular basis.  Back in May 2010, I spotted the construction site of the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur and promised myself to stay at the property as soon as it opened.  Located adjacent to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, the Grand Hyatt offers amazing views on the Petronas Twin Towers…at least if your room faces the KLCC park.  The rate for my one night stay was quite steep at MYR678 (€171) compared to other KL Hotels, but as Gold Passport Diamond member I could use one of my Suite Upgrade Certificates to exchange a Grand King room (47-sqm) for a massive Grand Corner Suite (105-sqm).

Pic: Bathroom Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
At check-in around noon, I was originally assigned Grand Suite 3321 which was not facing the Petronas Twin Towers.  After contacting the font desk, I was able to move to Grand Suite 3109 facing the towers.

Pic: Bathroom Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Bathroom Amenities June Jacobs Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Grand Suite King Bed at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Living Room Grand Suite at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Pic: Diamond Welcome Amenity Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
One of the highlights of my short stay was lunch at Grand Hyatt’s signature restaurant THIRTY8 located on the, you guessed it right, 38th floor.  The service, the food and the view… just amazing!  Similar experience at breakfast at the Grand Club on the 37th floor and again what a view! 

Pic: Giant Prawns at Thirty8 Resto Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)

Straight from the Oven Chocolate Cake at Thirty8 restaurant (Jan 2013)

Pic: View from Grand Suite 3109 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur (Jan 2013)
Video: Grand Suite 3109 at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (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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Credit Cards for Belgian Travellers: In-Depth Review

Posted on February 4, 2013 | 11 Comments

This is a guest post by travel enthusiast Stefan Van der Straeten (@stefanvds) He wrote an in-depth review on credit cards available to Belgian travellers.  Full disclosure: This is an independent review, Stefan has no financial benefit from recommending any of the listed card issuers or banks.

Pic: Caution – Hidden Fees Ahead
When you travel abroad, you need a credit card. A Belgian Maestro debit card won’t be very useful in most non-EU countries.  So what do people look for when picking a credit card? I reckon the most important thing they’ll look for is the annual fee and the credit limit. Some might not even compare prices and just take the card from the bank with their debit account. After all, a credit card is a credit card, right? You’d think the difference between them is little to non-existent, but you’d be wrong. The difference between two Visa cards can be huge. Pick the wrong one as frequent traveller and you might end up paying €300-€400 more in hidden costs and fees.

The problem?

Using a credit card in shops is always free*. So in that respect all cards are indeed the same. So what’s the problem? Money withdrawals from ATMs and payments in foreign currencies often have (hidden) fees.
*Unless you use a prepaid card like Mobile Vikings where you pay 3% just to top it up

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