I had a quick trip to the American Express Centurion Lounge Las Vegas. A few months ago. I was excited to finally make my first visit. On previous jaunts through LAS I was either running late or traveling via a different terminal so having time and being in the right terminal finally had its privileges.
On a recent trip to Cleveland I had the opportunity to visit the Airspace Lounge. It was close to 6 PM and the lounge was dead. I was the only person there for the 30 or so minutes I was hanging out. Airspace Lounges are a private company not affiliated with any specific airline. But as an American Express Platinum card holder I had complimentary access. Continue reading
TRIP REPORT INDEX: AROUND THE WORLD IN FIRST ON THE A380
The main entrance to the First Class Lounge Terminal 3
After a wonderful flight from San Francisco I had a little wait in Dubai. I had landed a little after 7 PM and had a glorious departure to Seoul at 2 AM. Yeah was I psyched!! Really I was not, this was a crummy time to have to hang around the airport or the city. I could have left the airport for 4 hours or so, but I’m not sure what I could have done after say 10 PM. I’m sure there’s stuff open, but I really didn’t do much research, and wasn’t in the mood to just wander around. Now if it was earlier in the day I would have for sure done that but with that late of a departure, I knew I would be tired soon and didn’t want to “find something to do”. The alternative was get a hotel either in the airport or outside, but again for the short duration, I was not keen on spending upwards of $150 USD for a bed. Continue reading
Singapore Airlines First Class Check in
After a short but restful night at the Sheraton Towers Singapore, it was time for the long but ever so exciting journey home via SQ 12 SIN-NRT-LAX. After a short cab ride from the hotel I was dropped off at the First Class check in. I had no idea that this even existed at Changi Airport, on all my other travels on Singapore in First Class I’ve always been a transit passenger, so I’ve never had the chance to use this entrance let alone know it existed. It’s located right before Terminal 3 and there are signs for it, but just let your driver know and they’ll hook you up.
Even at 7 am there were staff out front ready to help you with your luggage and escort you to a check in desk. Here they would take your bags, check you in and print all necessary documentation. All of this is done in a quick, painless and welcoming environment. It was definitely a nice way to get checked in. I know other airlines have similar services, but I’ve never had this luxury before. Continue reading
Be sure to check out the introduction if you’re interested in reading about my Around-The-World Journey visiting six countries, flying over 42,000 miles in first class (except for two very short segments) and having the opportunity to experience Singapore Airlines Suites Class and Emirates First Class.
Review: ANA Business Class Lounge- Narita
After a short layover at the Narita Hilton I headed back to the airport for my flight to Shanghai-Pudong Airport. Because of my Star Alliance Gold status with United Airlines I had the opportunity to visit the ANA Business Class lounge. In Terminal 1 they have two lounges satellite 4 and 5, 4 is only for First Class guests and 5 has two sections (Business Class and Suites Class). In this case I went to 5 since I was in Business Class.
As Business Class Lounges go ANA at Narita some of my favorites. They are open and expansive, offer copious amounts of food choices, an incredible beer machine, and a killer noodle bar.
The ANA Business Class Lounge
Trip Report: United BOS-SFO First Class
My very long journey to nowhere started out very early at Boston Logan Airport. I had a 6 AM flight, and was at the airport close to 4 AM. Surprisingly security was already open at that ridiculous hour and so was PreCheck, that was a huge bonus for me. I really hate having to disrobe and unpack to get through “normal” security I was out in a flash and ready to take on the airport. I’ve been here before but it’s been a long time, and I frankly can’t remember what terminal United was in but they are now in Terminal B. It’s entirely possible that they were in B before but since this section was recently remodeled and the United Club was moved to the second floor I’m guessing it’s a new space for them.
Today’s departures from Terminal B
Asiana First Class Lounge-Seoul Inchon
Cashing in my last 300,000 United miles
American Express Centurion Lounge San Francisco
Flying First Class on Lufthansa Seattle-Frankfurt
Rubber Ducks, Cured Meats and VOSS – Lufthansa First Class Lounge Frankfurt
Flying First Class on Thai Airways also on the a380
Thai Airways Domestic Business Class -Bangkok to Koh Samui
Conrad Koh Samui Amazing Hotel, Less Then Amazing Service
The Cutest Airport in the world – Koh Samui
Asiana Regional Business Class- Bangkok to Seoul
Asiana First Class Lounge- Seoul Inchon
Asiana a380 Seoul to Los Angeles
Visiting Thailand and the island of Koh Samui
The lounge view from the dining area
After a sleep filled flight from Bangkok to Seoul, we had eight hours to kill at the airport We decided that the best place to do that would be in the Asiana First Class lounge. We arrived at 6 AM and our departure was around 2 PM. Upon arrival in the lounge we found many open sections. Although there were a few people in the lounge maybe 8, it was so large that it felt incredibly empty. In fact there was not one time that I ever felt crowded. It was an incredible departure from the Thai business class lounge we were at in Bangkok and most lounges in the US. Then again it’s a first class lounge, and you have to be flying on one of the Star Alliance first class flights to have access. Continue reading
Delay #1
Yes it is well documented, that I’m glutton for punishment. And this week is no exception. I worked in Portland and Medford Oregon. No that’s not why.
Today I get to fly home to the Bay Area from Medford and there’s exactly one airline with nonstop service and it’s United to San Francisco. Now I’ve had a love hate with them the last few years and will not specifically avoid flying them, but when I have a choice I won’t fly them. Continue reading
Review: Thai Airways Domestic Business Class- Bangkok to Koh Samui (USM) and return
Cashing in my last 300,000 United miles
American Express Centurion Lounge San Francisco
Flying First Class on Lufthansa Seattle-Frankfurt
Rubber Ducks, Cured Meats and VOSS – Lufthansa First Class Lounge Frankfurt
Flying First Class on Thai Airways also on the a380
Thai Airways Domestic Business Class -Bangkok to Koh Samui
Conrad Koh Samui Amazing Hotel, Less Then Amazing Service
The Cutest Airport in the world – Koh Samui
Asiana Regional Business Class- Bangkok to Seoul
Asiana a380 Seoul to Los Angeles
Visiting Thailand and the island of Koh Samui
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Our whirlwind trip half way around the world was almost at an end. We had finally made it to the country of our vacation and were on our last flight to Koh Samui, Thailand. We’ve had so much fun getting to Thailand, and were just excited for our last trip. We had landed in Bangkok and had one and a half hours to connect to our domestic flight.
Prior to our flights we had to navigate the airport, and this is where Thai Airways excels. Where Lufthansa has an amazing inflight product and an incredible lounge and terminal in Frankfurt for First Class passengers. Thai has always been known for their incredible ground service at their hub airport Suvarnabhumi for first class guests. What they may lack in the air they make up for here. When you land and leave the jet way they have a golf cart and driver to escort you to your next point. Whether that’s customs, baggage claim or the lounge and spa depending on your layover.
Our chariot through the airport
I’ve not been to Ontario International Airport in probably seven years, and boy was I surprised at its transformation from a bustling airport with over 7.2 million passengers per year in its heyday to just under 4 million in 2013. A once bustling airport with two terminals and an incredible amount of air traffic. Now sadly it’s just a shell of its former self. I went out of terminal two which is shared by United, Alaska, Volaris and Aeromexico and this place was a morgue as you can see. The other terminal houses American, Delta and Southwest and I can’t imagine anyone other Southwest having any lift there. The check in counters were empty save for a few staff. When I went through security I was the only person in line at 10:30 am on the Friday before Christmas. In fact pre-check was open but the staff had to walk over from “normal” security just to get me.
Travel, Miles & Points From Both Sides of The Pond
Exploring open roads without breaking the bank
Home of Lukas Kondraciuk Photography
Living wide and eating well.
by Anna Trestain
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