United
Airlines
|
American
Airlines
| |
January
|
Premier Qualifying Miles – 7,726
Premier Qualifying Segments – 4
Redeemable Miles – 15,452
|
Elite Qualifying Miles – 54,942
Elite Qualifying Segments – 11
Redeemable Miles – 46,158
|
February
|
Premier Qualifying Miles – 12,924
Premier Qualifying Segments – 8
Redeemable Miles – 27,146
|
Elite Qualifying Miles – 20,692
Elite Qualifying Segments – 8
Redeemable Miles – 58,952
|
March
|
Premier Qualifying Miles – 21,961
Premier Qualifying Segments – 12
Redeemable Miles – 43,922
|
Elite Qualifying Miles – 11,712
Elite Qualifying Segments – 4
Redeemable Miles – 17,568
|
April
|
Premier Qualifying Miles – 16,382
Premier Qualifying Segments – 10
Redeemable Miles – 35,622
|
None
|
May
|
Premier Qualifying Miles – 7,726
Premier Qualifying Segments – 4
Redeemable Miles – 15,452
|
Elite Qualifying Miles – 13,028
Elite Qualifying Segments – 8
Redeemable Miles – 23,158
|
June
|
Premier Qualifying Miles – 4,000
Premier Qualifying Segments – 8
Redeemable Miles – 8,000 + 25,000 promo
|
None
|
July
|
None
|
None
|
Totals to Date
|
Premier Qualifying Miles – 70,719
Premier Qualifying Segments – 46
Redeemable Miles – 170,594
|
Elite Qualifying Miles – 100,374
Elite Qualifying Segments – 31
Redeemable Miles – 145,836
|
Remainder Needed
|
Premier Qualifying Miles – 29,281
Premier Qualifying Segments – 74
|
Re-Qualification Achieved
Via Elite Qualifying Miles |
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Journey to Top Elite Status on American and United Airlines UPDATE July 2012
No flying this month for revenue tickets... just award trip from HKG for July 4th. Plus airfares are really expensive in the summer. I did manage to book an award trip on Singapore First Class using 120,000 US Airways Dividend Miles for August.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Singapore's Book the Cook
I have an awesome trip coming up on Singapore Airlines (SQ) in First Class.
I have flown them before during last summer with SIN-BKK, KUL-SIN and SIN-PEK all in regional Business and was not too impressed with their food offerings. The Business seat was very good for regional flight (not for the overnight red-eye to Beijing though). I heard about Book the Cook SQ offers and it looks interesting enough. I have pre-ordered food before on Thai Airways and the food was decent or really good. I am interested to see what SQ has to offer with their pre-order option.
Chicken breast stuffed with chorizo, papaya, red onion, and herbs with potato and corn hash, fresh asparagus, and baby carrots
Jumbo scallops in raspberry vinegar sauce with baby vegetables
Lobster Thermidor with buttered asparagus, slow-roasted vine-ripened tomato, and saffron rice
Roasted Chilean bass in creamy cider vinegar sauce with roasted tomato, parsley potato, baby carrots, and asparagus
Veal chop sautéed with wild mushroom, potatoes, bacon and fresh herbs, broccoli, baby carrots, zucchini, and roasted potatoes
Beef Bulgogi with Korean mixed vegetables and steamed rice **My choice**
Braised quail with chestnut and Chinese sausage served with Chinese greens and noodles
Nigiri Sushi
Seafood rice noodle soup with Chinese greens
Steamed sole wrapped in ham served with seasonal vegetables and fried rice
Thai red curry chicken with broccoli, baby carrots, red bell peppers, and pineapple fried rice
Toasted multigrain country bread with herb cottage cheese, grilled vegetables and fresh berries low fat yoghurt (Breakfast only)
Western options:
U.S. 8 oz. Rib-Eye Steak (U.S. beef steak with creamy green peppercorn sauce, roasted vegetables and garlic-mashed potatoes)
Pan-Fried Veal Loin and Braised Veal Cheek with parsnip purée, fresh garden vegetables and mushroom ragout
Oven-Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast (Tender chicken breast stuffed with baby spinach, ricotta cheese and fresh sage, served with cepe mushrooms and red wine jus, buttered fresh garden vegetables and creamy polenta)
Roast Rack of Lamb (New Zealand lamb with mint jus, mesclun salad and thyme-flavoured gratin potatoes)
Pan-Seared Chilean Seabass in Bouillabaisse Broth (An adaptation from its Marseillaise original, its broth is flavoured with saffron, white wine and a splash of Pernod. Served with slow-cooked capsicum confit and zucchini pasta.)
Seared Salmon Escalope (Norwegian salmon escalope on a warm potato and snake bean salad. With a light dressing of diced tomato, lemon and olive oil.)
Boston Lobster Thermidor (Lobster tail sautéed in butter, flambéed in brandy, sprinkled with cheese, and served with creamy mushroom sauce, garlic and spicy mustard, and buttered asparagus)
Pappardelle with Seafood (Lobster, scallop and salmon in a mushroom, sun-dried tomatoes and seafood broth, with al dente pappardelle pasta)
Roasted Vegetables Salad (A selection of roasted vegetables, avocado and orange, marinated in truffle-perfumed oil, parsley and chives on pan-fried roesti potatoes. Topped with a mesclun salad, shaved Parmesan cheese, and drizzled with fine truffle oil vinaigrette.)
Swedish Wholegrain Crisp Bread (A healthy breakfast choice with crisp bread, cottage cheese, rosemary honey-roasted pear and a low fat yoghurt of fresh berries [Breakfast only])
Japanese Options:
Kyo-Kaiseki (A traditional Japanese array of dishes presented in sequence, with ingredients and garnishes reflecting and changing with each season. Designed by Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel Chef Yoshihiro Murata (inclusive of Breakfast service and available only on flights with duration of 2 hours or more; some items are served at cabin temperature))
Chargrilled Soya-Flavoured Beef (Japanese-style beef, vegetables simmered in mirin, and shimeiji mushroom rice. Designed by Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel Chef Yoshihiro Murata)
Wagyu Sirloin with Eringi Mushroom (Wagyu sirloin with baked eringi mushroom marinated with truffle, garlic and sake, yuzu and light soy sauce, accompanied by green beans and jalapeño salsa, served with steamed rice)
Assorted Sushi (Marinated and smoked fish on lightly vinegared Japanese rice (served at cabin temperature))
Chinese Options:
Steamed Chinese Herbal Chicken (Chicken steamed with Chinese herbs, served in a lightly thickened sauce, fine beans with hon shimeji in XO sauce, and mushroom rice. Designed by Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel Chef Sam Leong)
Steamed Cod in Spinach Sauce (Served with seasonal oriental vegetables, Chinese black mushrooms and egg fried rice. Designed by Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel Chef Zhu Jun)
Braised Pork Ribs in Yellow Bean Sauce (Pork ribs braised with yellow bean, shimeiji mushrooms, carrots and beans, and served with steamed rice) **My choice**
Baked King Prawn with Chilli Sauce (Served with Taiwan cabbage and fragrant steamed rice)
Sliced Grouper Congee (Grouper cooked in rice porridge with spring onions and ginger (Breakfast only))
Dim Sum Selection (Selection of dim sum with steamed radish cake (Breakfast only))
Singaporean Options:
Char Siew Wanton Noodle Soup (Honey-roasted pork, shrimp and pork dumplings on noodles in a savoury clear broth) **My choice**
Singapore Bak Kut Teh (Literally 'Meat Bone Tea', a peppery, savoury soup of meaty pork ribs simmered in a broth of herbs and spices, served with rice)
Singapore Chicken Rice (Poached chicken, sliced and served on long-grain rice cooked in chicken broth. Accompanied by dark soya sauce, tangy ginger and fresh chilli and lime sauces.) **My choice**
Straits Chinese Chicken Curry (Tender chicken and potato simmered in spicy coconut milk, served with bread rolls and steamed rice)
Prawn and Chicken Laksa (Rice noodles in a rich, coconut cream seafood gravy with prawns, chicken, fish cake, deep-fried beancurd and bean sprouts)
Singaporean Style Chicken and Lamb Satay (Marinated, skewered and grilled chicken and lamb slices. Served with cucumber, ketupat rice cakes and spicy peanut sauce.)
Braised Soya Flavoured Duck with Yam Rice (Duck marinated in a mix of dark soy sauce, spices and Chinese rice wine. Served on fragrant yam rice with chilli sauce.)
Nonya Assam Fish (Fish, okra, eggplant and tomato cooked with Assam spices Peranakan style, served with steamed rice)
Teo Chew Fish Porridge (Southern Chinese dish of rice porridge of lightly poached fish slices, pickled vegetables, toasted Chinese seaweed, spring onions and Chinese celery. Served with sliced red chilli in soya sauce (inclusive of Breakfast service))
Yu Pian Mi Fen (Singapore style thick rice vermicelli noodle soup with sliced 'Sang Yu' fish and green vegetables. Garnished with spring onions (inclusive of Breakfast service))
Fish Ball Kway Teow Soup (Flat rice noodles and fish balls in chicken broth, bean sprouts, Chinese preserved vegetables (tung chai) and sliced red chilli (inclusive of Breakfast service))
Malay Options:
Lontong Rendang Ayam (Chicken cooked in coconut milk and exotic spices with rice cakes, potato patties and egg)
Malay-style Beef Rendang (Tender beef cooked in coconut milk, spices and lemongrass, and served with turmeric rice)
Grilled Indonesian King Prawn (Spicy prawns with sautéed brocolli, cauliflower, carrots, garlic sauce and microgreens, served with steamed rice)
Nasi Lemak (Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, accompanied by spicy sambal prawns, fried chicken, fried anchovies with peanuts, spicy pickled vegetables (achar), an omelette wedge, and grilled fish cakes (otah) (inclusive of Breakfast service)) **My choice**
Thai Options:
Duck in Red Thai Curry (A red curry with duck, served with steamed rice and vegetables)
Steamed Cod Fish (A traditional dish of cod steamed with spicy lime sauce, served with shredded white cabbage, carrot julienne, Chinese sliced celery, fried garlic and steamed rice)
Gaeng Paa Koong (A Thai curry of prawn simmered with wild herbs, served with steamed rice)
Fish Soufflé and Chicken (Freshly minced chicken, chilli and basil are pan-fried and accompany a traditional Thai dish soufflé. Served with pineapple fried rice and curried mixed vegetables.)
Green Curry Fish Balls stuffed with Prawn (Fish balls stuffed with minced prawns, simmered in green curry sauce, and soya-braised pork. Served with mixed vegetables.)
Indian Options:
Lamb Shank (Lamb shank with onion, pea-soya beans and tempered Bengal, served with gramm and yoghurt vegetable pilaf. Designed by Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel Chef Sanjeev Kapoor)
Chicken Tikka Kurchan Masala (Roasted chicken in a spicy masala sauce with mild spiced mushroom, served with asparagus, cumin-flavoured basmati pilaff, papadum, pickles and plain yoghurt)
Curry Patta Lobster (With spiced spinach and corn, tomato pulao, and served with papadum, pickle and plain yogurt)
Nasi Biryani (An Indian specialty, fragrant Basmati rice, cooked with aromatic spices, herbs, tomatoes, saffron and milk, is served with tender chicken simmered in gravy (inclusive of Breakfast service))
Food is one of the many facets of the outstanding SQ service and reputation. Other features include:
As a soothing touch, the ambient mood lighting in the cabin is designed to enhance your surroundings.
Other premium touches include quality skincare products, as well as a sleeper suit and bedroom slippers exclusively designed by Givenchy. There is even a vanity corner with mirror and drawer at every seat, to make freshening up a more personal experience.
Take a break with our enhanced snack menu offering savoury and sweet selections, along with some of the finest gourmet coffee.
Needless to say... I am VERY EXCITED and looking forward to my (probably) ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME experience with SQ FIRST Class coming up soon!
I have flown them before during last summer with SIN-BKK, KUL-SIN and SIN-PEK all in regional Business and was not too impressed with their food offerings. The Business seat was very good for regional flight (not for the overnight red-eye to Beijing though). I heard about Book the Cook SQ offers and it looks interesting enough. I have pre-ordered food before on Thai Airways and the food was decent or really good. I am interested to see what SQ has to offer with their pre-order option.
 |
| Photo from Singapore Airlines |
I heard reprots that SQ caters enough for First Class so if I don't like what I pre-order or if I want more food... I can most certainly get something else to eat on-board one of their flights. Please keep in mind that I have a lot of meals ahead on my SQ flights and some flights offer 2 or 3 meals that I can pre-order. I chose a variety of different meals that gives me a good range of the variety offered by SQ during their flights.
 |
| Photo from Singapore Airlines |
Here's what it says about Book the Cook on the SQ website:
World-class meals you can count on
Revel in our celebrated Book the Cook service that enables you to order your main course before you fly. Simply select from our list of premium Book the Cook dishes and make your request through our reservations office or your travel agent at least 24 hours before flight departure. You may also make your Book the Cook meal request when purchasing your tickets online through our website.
Please note that Book the Cook dishes are main courses, and are not offered during Continental Breakfast and Refreshment service. Book the Cook dishes may not be available during Breakfast service on selected flights.
Book the Cook main courses are specially prepared just for you. Should you decide to change or cancel your Book the Cook main courses, or would prefer to select from our inflight menus, please notify us at least 24 hours before flight departure so as to avoid any disappointment during your flight.
If you would like to make a meal request, click here to retrieve your booking details.
Here's a few menus available:
San Francisco Suites and First Class Menu
5 oz. rib-eye steak and peppercorn sauce with grilled yellow squash, asparagus spears, baby carrots, roasted Roma tomato, and fried potatoes **My choice**Chicken breast stuffed with chorizo, papaya, red onion, and herbs with potato and corn hash, fresh asparagus, and baby carrots
Jumbo scallops in raspberry vinegar sauce with baby vegetables
Lobster Thermidor with buttered asparagus, slow-roasted vine-ripened tomato, and saffron rice
Roasted Chilean bass in creamy cider vinegar sauce with roasted tomato, parsley potato, baby carrots, and asparagus
Veal chop sautéed with wild mushroom, potatoes, bacon and fresh herbs, broccoli, baby carrots, zucchini, and roasted potatoes
Beef Bulgogi with Korean mixed vegetables and steamed rice **My choice**
Braised quail with chestnut and Chinese sausage served with Chinese greens and noodles
Nigiri Sushi
Seafood rice noodle soup with Chinese greens
Steamed sole wrapped in ham served with seasonal vegetables and fried rice
Thai red curry chicken with broccoli, baby carrots, red bell peppers, and pineapple fried rice
Toasted multigrain country bread with herb cottage cheese, grilled vegetables and fresh berries low fat yoghurt (Breakfast only)
EX-Singapore Suites and First Class Menu
Western options:
U.S. 8 oz. Rib-Eye Steak (U.S. beef steak with creamy green peppercorn sauce, roasted vegetables and garlic-mashed potatoes)
Pan-Fried Veal Loin and Braised Veal Cheek with parsnip purée, fresh garden vegetables and mushroom ragout
Oven-Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast (Tender chicken breast stuffed with baby spinach, ricotta cheese and fresh sage, served with cepe mushrooms and red wine jus, buttered fresh garden vegetables and creamy polenta)
Roast Rack of Lamb (New Zealand lamb with mint jus, mesclun salad and thyme-flavoured gratin potatoes)
Pan-Seared Chilean Seabass in Bouillabaisse Broth (An adaptation from its Marseillaise original, its broth is flavoured with saffron, white wine and a splash of Pernod. Served with slow-cooked capsicum confit and zucchini pasta.)
Seared Salmon Escalope (Norwegian salmon escalope on a warm potato and snake bean salad. With a light dressing of diced tomato, lemon and olive oil.)
Boston Lobster Thermidor (Lobster tail sautéed in butter, flambéed in brandy, sprinkled with cheese, and served with creamy mushroom sauce, garlic and spicy mustard, and buttered asparagus)
Pappardelle with Seafood (Lobster, scallop and salmon in a mushroom, sun-dried tomatoes and seafood broth, with al dente pappardelle pasta)
Roasted Vegetables Salad (A selection of roasted vegetables, avocado and orange, marinated in truffle-perfumed oil, parsley and chives on pan-fried roesti potatoes. Topped with a mesclun salad, shaved Parmesan cheese, and drizzled with fine truffle oil vinaigrette.)
Swedish Wholegrain Crisp Bread (A healthy breakfast choice with crisp bread, cottage cheese, rosemary honey-roasted pear and a low fat yoghurt of fresh berries [Breakfast only])
Japanese Options:
Kyo-Kaiseki (A traditional Japanese array of dishes presented in sequence, with ingredients and garnishes reflecting and changing with each season. Designed by Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel Chef Yoshihiro Murata (inclusive of Breakfast service and available only on flights with duration of 2 hours or more; some items are served at cabin temperature))
Chargrilled Soya-Flavoured Beef (Japanese-style beef, vegetables simmered in mirin, and shimeiji mushroom rice. Designed by Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel Chef Yoshihiro Murata)
Wagyu Sirloin with Eringi Mushroom (Wagyu sirloin with baked eringi mushroom marinated with truffle, garlic and sake, yuzu and light soy sauce, accompanied by green beans and jalapeño salsa, served with steamed rice)
Assorted Sushi (Marinated and smoked fish on lightly vinegared Japanese rice (served at cabin temperature))
Chinese Options:
Steamed Chinese Herbal Chicken (Chicken steamed with Chinese herbs, served in a lightly thickened sauce, fine beans with hon shimeji in XO sauce, and mushroom rice. Designed by Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel Chef Sam Leong)
Steamed Cod in Spinach Sauce (Served with seasonal oriental vegetables, Chinese black mushrooms and egg fried rice. Designed by Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel Chef Zhu Jun)
Braised Pork Ribs in Yellow Bean Sauce (Pork ribs braised with yellow bean, shimeiji mushrooms, carrots and beans, and served with steamed rice) **My choice**
Baked King Prawn with Chilli Sauce (Served with Taiwan cabbage and fragrant steamed rice)
Sliced Grouper Congee (Grouper cooked in rice porridge with spring onions and ginger (Breakfast only))
Dim Sum Selection (Selection of dim sum with steamed radish cake (Breakfast only))
Singaporean Options:
Char Siew Wanton Noodle Soup (Honey-roasted pork, shrimp and pork dumplings on noodles in a savoury clear broth) **My choice**
Singapore Bak Kut Teh (Literally 'Meat Bone Tea', a peppery, savoury soup of meaty pork ribs simmered in a broth of herbs and spices, served with rice)
Singapore Chicken Rice (Poached chicken, sliced and served on long-grain rice cooked in chicken broth. Accompanied by dark soya sauce, tangy ginger and fresh chilli and lime sauces.) **My choice**
Straits Chinese Chicken Curry (Tender chicken and potato simmered in spicy coconut milk, served with bread rolls and steamed rice)
Prawn and Chicken Laksa (Rice noodles in a rich, coconut cream seafood gravy with prawns, chicken, fish cake, deep-fried beancurd and bean sprouts)
Singaporean Style Chicken and Lamb Satay (Marinated, skewered and grilled chicken and lamb slices. Served with cucumber, ketupat rice cakes and spicy peanut sauce.)
Braised Soya Flavoured Duck with Yam Rice (Duck marinated in a mix of dark soy sauce, spices and Chinese rice wine. Served on fragrant yam rice with chilli sauce.)
Nonya Assam Fish (Fish, okra, eggplant and tomato cooked with Assam spices Peranakan style, served with steamed rice)
Teo Chew Fish Porridge (Southern Chinese dish of rice porridge of lightly poached fish slices, pickled vegetables, toasted Chinese seaweed, spring onions and Chinese celery. Served with sliced red chilli in soya sauce (inclusive of Breakfast service))
Yu Pian Mi Fen (Singapore style thick rice vermicelli noodle soup with sliced 'Sang Yu' fish and green vegetables. Garnished with spring onions (inclusive of Breakfast service))
Fish Ball Kway Teow Soup (Flat rice noodles and fish balls in chicken broth, bean sprouts, Chinese preserved vegetables (tung chai) and sliced red chilli (inclusive of Breakfast service))
Malay Options:
Lontong Rendang Ayam (Chicken cooked in coconut milk and exotic spices with rice cakes, potato patties and egg)
Malay-style Beef Rendang (Tender beef cooked in coconut milk, spices and lemongrass, and served with turmeric rice)
Grilled Indonesian King Prawn (Spicy prawns with sautéed brocolli, cauliflower, carrots, garlic sauce and microgreens, served with steamed rice)
Nasi Lemak (Fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk, accompanied by spicy sambal prawns, fried chicken, fried anchovies with peanuts, spicy pickled vegetables (achar), an omelette wedge, and grilled fish cakes (otah) (inclusive of Breakfast service)) **My choice**
Thai Options:
Duck in Red Thai Curry (A red curry with duck, served with steamed rice and vegetables)
Steamed Cod Fish (A traditional dish of cod steamed with spicy lime sauce, served with shredded white cabbage, carrot julienne, Chinese sliced celery, fried garlic and steamed rice)
Gaeng Paa Koong (A Thai curry of prawn simmered with wild herbs, served with steamed rice)
Fish Soufflé and Chicken (Freshly minced chicken, chilli and basil are pan-fried and accompany a traditional Thai dish soufflé. Served with pineapple fried rice and curried mixed vegetables.)
Green Curry Fish Balls stuffed with Prawn (Fish balls stuffed with minced prawns, simmered in green curry sauce, and soya-braised pork. Served with mixed vegetables.)
Indian Options:
Lamb Shank (Lamb shank with onion, pea-soya beans and tempered Bengal, served with gramm and yoghurt vegetable pilaf. Designed by Singapore Airlines International Culinary Panel Chef Sanjeev Kapoor)
Chicken Tikka Kurchan Masala (Roasted chicken in a spicy masala sauce with mild spiced mushroom, served with asparagus, cumin-flavoured basmati pilaff, papadum, pickles and plain yoghurt)
Curry Patta Lobster (With spiced spinach and corn, tomato pulao, and served with papadum, pickle and plain yogurt)
Nasi Biryani (An Indian specialty, fragrant Basmati rice, cooked with aromatic spices, herbs, tomatoes, saffron and milk, is served with tender chicken simmered in gravy (inclusive of Breakfast service))
Food is one of the many facets of the outstanding SQ service and reputation. Other features include:
The biggest seat in its class
At 35-inches wide, each seat is exquisitely upholstered in fine-grained leather with mahogany wood trimming. Considerably wider than any other conventional First Class seat, it offers you luxury of the highest order. The unique design allows you the freedom to lounge, stretch and relax in virtually any position.As a soothing touch, the ambient mood lighting in the cabin is designed to enhance your surroundings.
The largest bed in the sky beckons
Whenever you wish, relax in the largest, most versatile bed in the sky. Enjoy the freedom of sleeping in any position with crisp linen, fluffy pillows and a plush duvet. This is complemented by an exclusive turndown service.Other premium touches include quality skincare products, as well as a sleeper suit and bedroom slippers exclusively designed by Givenchy. There is even a vanity corner with mirror and drawer at every seat, to make freshening up a more personal experience.
A gourmet restaurant where your favourite seat is reserved for you
Choose from a selection of gourmet masterpieces created by our International Culinary Panel of world-renowned chefs, and accompanied by wines carefully selected to delight the discerning palate. Enjoy sumptuous offerings served on exquisitely patterned tableware designed by Givenchy.Take a break with our enhanced snack menu offering savoury and sweet selections, along with some of the finest gourmet coffee.
The widest screen in the sky
A personal 23-inch LCD screen with 1280x768 pixels, the highest resolution in the sky, gives you sharper images. Combined with surround sound and the latest in noise-cancelling headphone technology, it all adds up to a unique cinematic experience. An all-in-one business panel with in-seat power and USB connectivity allows you to work as you please.Needless to say... I am VERY EXCITED and looking forward to my (probably) ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME experience with SQ FIRST Class coming up soon!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Airport withdrawl
As a follow up to my last post announcing the fact I am attend the Star MegaDO this year...
It's been 20 days since I have been a plane or been at the airport. It's my day off and I was bored. I decided to look for fares to LAX from DFW as the international portion of the Star MegaDO begins with LAX on a ride on the new Boeing 787-800 plane. After a visit to the airport and hanging out at a few Admiral's Clubs and the Club at DFW... I am good. I got my fix of the airport experience until my next trip.
A few weeks ago, the cheapest fare for DFW to LAX was (and still is) on US airways with a early 6AM departure.
US Airways – Flight 602
Take-off 6:00a DFW Dallas, TX
Landing 7:36a PHX Phoenix, AZ
Airbus A320-100/200 (Narrow-body Jet)
2h 36m
Change planes PHX Phoenix, AZ 1h 09m
US Airways – Flight 24
Take-off 8:45a PHX Phoenix, AZ
Landing 9:13a LAX Los Angeles, CA
Airbus A320-100/200 (Narrow-body Jet)
1h 28m
I lucked out as I found a non-stop on American for $138 and I had a $20 voucher left over from a botch Mileage Run earlier this year. I leaves at a more reasonble time of 8AM and lands at about the same time as the US Aiways flight into LAX. So total out of pocket cost was $118 for non-stop on AA... plus I am eligible for a free upgrade on AA (versus on US airways where I am a nobody).
American Airlines
Take-off Sun 8:00a DFW Dallas, TX
Landing Sun 9:15a LAX Los Angeles, CA
Boeing 737 (Narrow-body Jet)
3h 15m
I put the ticket on-hold and told the really nice Tucson-based agent that I will finish the ticketing at the airport as I needed an excuse to visit the airport anyways this afternoon. The fare for the same flight has gone up to $445 in a matter of a few hours! That's a difference of $310! I'm glad I looked at the correct time and had it on hold for ticketing right away!
After my flight from DFW-LAX... then the international portion of the Star MegaDO starts! I will be flying LAX-FRA-ZRH on Lufthansa and then overnight at the Park Hyatt Zurich. Then fly out on Swiss Air (First time on them!) with ZRH-SFO routing and arriving on the same day. Followed by the domestic portion of SFO-IAH-ORD with receptions each evening at the Hyatt hosting in each city.
I already booked my room at the Park Hyatt Zurich (using 22,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points) back in early June with a daily rate of $600 then and now it is up to $1000 because the property is almost sold out!
Here's the route map of my travels associated with the Star MegaDO.
Then I need to fly to China to celebrate my grandfather's 80th birthday (and skip out a little early on the MegaDO). So far I have this routing using 70,000 United miles:
Flight: OZ235 Operated by Asiana Airlines
Depart: 12:00 p.m. Chicago, IL (ORD - O'Hare)
Arrive: 4:50 p.m. +1 Day Seoul, Republic of South Korea (ICN - Incheon)
Flight Time: 13 hr 50 mn
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200 * Featuring the NEW SUITES
Fare Class: First (O)
Change Planes. Connect time in Seoul, Republic of South Korea (ICN - Incheon) is 1 hr 20 mn.
Flight: CA126 Operated by Air China
Depart: 6:10 p.m. Seoul, Republic of South Korea (ICN - Incheon)
Arrive: 7:20 p.m. Beijing, People's Republic of China (PEK - Capital)
Flight Time: 2 hr 10 mn
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Fare Class: Economy (X)
*Overnight in Beijing*
Flight: CA1343 Operated by Air China.
Depart: 7:25 a.m. Beijing, People's Republic of China (PEK - Capital)
Arrive: 9:45 a.m. Changsha CN (CSX)
Travel Time: 2 hr 20 mn
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Fare Class: First (O)
I feel bad using 70,000 miles for only one longhaul flight since United is generous that they allow routing to Asia via Europe (2 longhaul flights for the same amount of miles). I might just fly from Seoul to Shanghai and buy a revenue ticket on China Eastern or China Southern for the last leg to avoid overnight in Beijing. Or I might try to switch to a Cathay Pacific ticket and overnight in Hong Kong instead... I still have some time to play around with the flights and dates.
Here's a news/press release video of the new First Class Suites:
It's been 20 days since I have been a plane or been at the airport. It's my day off and I was bored. I decided to look for fares to LAX from DFW as the international portion of the Star MegaDO begins with LAX on a ride on the new Boeing 787-800 plane. After a visit to the airport and hanging out at a few Admiral's Clubs and the Club at DFW... I am good. I got my fix of the airport experience until my next trip.
A few weeks ago, the cheapest fare for DFW to LAX was (and still is) on US airways with a early 6AM departure.
US Airways – Flight 602
Take-off 6:00a DFW Dallas, TX
Landing 7:36a PHX Phoenix, AZ
Airbus A320-100/200 (Narrow-body Jet)
2h 36m
Change planes PHX Phoenix, AZ 1h 09m
US Airways – Flight 24
Take-off 8:45a PHX Phoenix, AZ
Landing 9:13a LAX Los Angeles, CA
Airbus A320-100/200 (Narrow-body Jet)
1h 28m
I lucked out as I found a non-stop on American for $138 and I had a $20 voucher left over from a botch Mileage Run earlier this year. I leaves at a more reasonble time of 8AM and lands at about the same time as the US Aiways flight into LAX. So total out of pocket cost was $118 for non-stop on AA... plus I am eligible for a free upgrade on AA (versus on US airways where I am a nobody).
American Airlines
Take-off Sun 8:00a DFW Dallas, TX
Landing Sun 9:15a LAX Los Angeles, CA
Boeing 737 (Narrow-body Jet)
3h 15m
I put the ticket on-hold and told the really nice Tucson-based agent that I will finish the ticketing at the airport as I needed an excuse to visit the airport anyways this afternoon. The fare for the same flight has gone up to $445 in a matter of a few hours! That's a difference of $310! I'm glad I looked at the correct time and had it on hold for ticketing right away!
After my flight from DFW-LAX... then the international portion of the Star MegaDO starts! I will be flying LAX-FRA-ZRH on Lufthansa and then overnight at the Park Hyatt Zurich. Then fly out on Swiss Air (First time on them!) with ZRH-SFO routing and arriving on the same day. Followed by the domestic portion of SFO-IAH-ORD with receptions each evening at the Hyatt hosting in each city.
I already booked my room at the Park Hyatt Zurich (using 22,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points) back in early June with a daily rate of $600 then and now it is up to $1000 because the property is almost sold out!
 |
| Picture from Hyatt |
 |
| Picture from Hyatt |
Then I need to fly to China to celebrate my grandfather's 80th birthday (and skip out a little early on the MegaDO). So far I have this routing using 70,000 United miles:
Flight: OZ235 Operated by Asiana Airlines
Depart: 12:00 p.m. Chicago, IL (ORD - O'Hare)
Arrive: 4:50 p.m. +1 Day Seoul, Republic of South Korea (ICN - Incheon)
Flight Time: 13 hr 50 mn
Aircraft: Boeing 777-200 * Featuring the NEW SUITES
Fare Class: First (O)
Change Planes. Connect time in Seoul, Republic of South Korea (ICN - Incheon) is 1 hr 20 mn.
Flight: CA126 Operated by Air China
Depart: 6:10 p.m. Seoul, Republic of South Korea (ICN - Incheon)
Arrive: 7:20 p.m. Beijing, People's Republic of China (PEK - Capital)
Flight Time: 2 hr 10 mn
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Fare Class: Economy (X)
*Overnight in Beijing*
Flight: CA1343 Operated by Air China.
Depart: 7:25 a.m. Beijing, People's Republic of China (PEK - Capital)
Arrive: 9:45 a.m. Changsha CN (CSX)
Travel Time: 2 hr 20 mn
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Fare Class: First (O)
I feel bad using 70,000 miles for only one longhaul flight since United is generous that they allow routing to Asia via Europe (2 longhaul flights for the same amount of miles). I might just fly from Seoul to Shanghai and buy a revenue ticket on China Eastern or China Southern for the last leg to avoid overnight in Beijing. Or I might try to switch to a Cathay Pacific ticket and overnight in Hong Kong instead... I still have some time to play around with the flights and dates.
Here's a news/press release video of the new First Class Suites:
Monday, July 23, 2012
I am going to the Star MegaDO 4 (SMD4)
Timeline of Events:
May 22, 2012- SMD4 Launch party set (Theme: Don’t Be Tardy To The Party) at Washington DC Hyatt Regency Crystal City
June 3, 2012: Launch party and SMD4 details released!
Rimowa is a new sponsor and everyone on the trip to have an opportunity to purchase a limited-edition MegaDO branded Rimowa 20″ rollaboard in a new color.
Hyatt Promotion to be announced based on participant suggestions... details to be released by August!
The optional international portion of the MegaDO will kick off Sunday, November 11 at Washington-Dulles with a party in the Lufthansa lounge and a ride in the brand new Boeing 747-800. The flight will be to Germany followed by a connection to Zurich. However, due to logistics... the departure airport is now Los Angeles but still on-board the new Boeing 747-800 (and it's a longer flight!).
There will be programs with Swiss and Lufthansa, and the host hotel is the Park Hyatt Zurich. It is on the pricey side ($600 daily rate per night and currently $1000 per night as the hotel is SOLD OUT). I immediately booked a FREE night there using 22,000 Hyatt Gold Passport points. It’s also the only host hotel that’s going to be optional given the cost, folks will be able to stay on their own elsewhere in Zurich if they wish.
There will be a total of 35 coach pre-sale tickets available at the prices above (there will also be 45 tickets in business class at the beginning of the week). If you purchase any one of these seats, you’ll be eligible to pre-purchase a seat on the Star MegaDO domestic charter. I was top 10 on the economy class waitlist and cleared the Friday (July 5th) before the opening of the domestic charter tickets.
International Portion flights:
November 11, Los Angeles – Frankfurt, 3:20pm – 11:15am+1, Lufthansa LH457
November 12, Frankfurt – Zurich, 1:35pm – 2:30pm, Lufthansa LH1192
November 13, Zurich – San Francisco, 1:05pm – 4:25pm, Swiss LX38
On Tuesday, it’s back to the U.S. with a flight to San Francisco.
That’s where the official launch will start for the MegaDO, for those not doing the optional international portion of the trip.
Domestic Portion Charter Prices (with United Airlines Mileage)
- Coach: $999 (will earn 5000 qualifying/redeemable miles)
- Economy Plus: $1249 (will earn 7500 qualifying/redeemable miles) (Extra Legroom)
- Tommy Class: $1599 (will earn 7500 qualifying/redeemable miles) (Extra Legroom and No One Next to You)
- BusinessFirst: $1999 (will earn 15000 qualifying redeemable miles)
Booking for SMD4 opened on Monday, July 9th at 10 am Eastern (9am Central, 8am Mountain, 7am Pacific) at megado.com.
The charter flight distance (San Francisco – Houston – Chicago)
totals 2,650 actual miles. But you will be able to accrue more than
that in a United MileagePlus account (note: United MileagePlus is the
only program offering mileage credit for the charter).
I was ready at 8:55AM on July 9th and was able to snag a coach seat. The tickets were sold out within 7 minutes! I am very excited about attending my first MegaDO.
It’s the ultimate frequent flyer adventure, where 150-200
enthusiastic folks get together, charter an aircraft, and go on
behind-the-scenes tours of airlines and aircraft, while picking up swag
and tons of miles and elite status along the way.
The last event, Oneworld MegaDO was sold out in under 20 minutes. But there’s a widebody aircraft this time, hopefully the trip will be able to accomodate more folks and won’t sell out nearly as quickly.
Tuesday November 13th
8 PM Welcome reception @ Hyatt SFO sponsored and hosted by Hyatt
Wednesday November 14th
7 AM-8 AM Breakfast is served
Morning program at SFO
1 PM. The FIRST Mega DO flight ever on a widebody goes SFO-IAH. The plane will be a 767-400 in the new config
Morning program at SFO
1 PM. The FIRST Mega DO flight ever on a widebody goes SFO-IAH. The plane will be a 767-400 in the new config
Layout and facts here: https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/inflight/aircraft/767/400ER/default.aspx
6 PM Arrival in Houston. Barbecue party upon arrival Sponsored by United, Hyatt and Milepoint
Overnight @ the Hyatt Regency Houston
Thursday November 15th
530 AM-615 AM Breakfast at the Hyatt TBD in Houston
730 AM Departure from Houston to Chicago
730 AM Departure from Houston to Chicago
10 AM Arriving in Chicago
United hosts us in Chicago. Think the previous Continental DO’s in Houston on steroids
7 PM United hosts reception @ Hyatt Schaumburg in Chicago.
Friday November 16th
7 AM Breakfast at a Hyatt TBD in ChicagoUnited Program continues and eases in to the 15th anniversary Star Alliance reception hosted by Star Alliance
9 PM The official SMD party ends
Saturday November 17th (OPTIONAL)
9 AM Brunch Hyatt Schaumburg
Official Cowboy day in Chicago!
Enjoy an all-in action filled day with:
- Line dancing lessons
- Riding lessons
- Lasso lessons
- We’ve rented a farm for the day – Learn how to milk a cow, feed chickens and be a part of the first SMD hoedown!
- The ultimate pick up truck show down. The OFFICIAL SMD Ford F150 and Randy Petersen’s very own 2008 F150 STX will be hauling ass!
- Lunch catered by famous Hackney’s.
- AND more!
- Line dancing lessons
- Riding lessons
- Lasso lessons
- We’ve rented a farm for the day – Learn how to milk a cow, feed chickens and be a part of the first SMD hoedown!
- The ultimate pick up truck show down. The OFFICIAL SMD Ford F150 and Randy Petersen’s very own 2008 F150 STX will be hauling ass!
- Lunch catered by famous Hackney’s.
- AND more!
7 PM The Giddy Up Charity Affair at the Hyatt Schaumburg.
- The SMD country and western band will be entertaining.
- Cowboy Pat and his crew will be showing off with their professional line dancing.
- YOU will be able to show what you learned today
- The SMD country and western band will be entertaining.
- Cowboy Pat and his crew will be showing off with their professional line dancing.
- YOU will be able to show what you learned today
Program ends late.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Over the Pacific on Cathay: Domestic First on American JFK-DFW (with Conclusion and Final Thoughts)
Over the Pacific on Cathay
Domestic
First on American JFK-DFW
AA 855 JFK-DFW
April 26, 2012
Boeing 737
Departure Time 4:25PM Actual: 4:18PM
Arrival Time 7:35PM Actual: 7:10PM
Flight Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Seat 3A First Class
April 26, 2012
Boeing 737
Departure Time 4:25PM Actual: 4:18PM
Arrival Time 7:35PM Actual: 7:10PM
Flight Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Seat 3A First Class
The scheduled boarding was 3:45PM and I made my way
about 3:35PM to gate 33 which was on the other side of the terminal for the
domestic and Eagle flights. By the time
I got there, general boarding was called and I was issued a new boarding pass
for First Class as I got an upgrade.
Pre-departure beverages of water and orange juice were offered. The flight attendants Lynne and Shirley were
mentioning that boarding started very early though. That helped us get an early departure out of
JFK and the usual long wait for landing and takeoffs is not uncommon at JFK.
I don’t remember much of the takeoff as I was so exhausted that I kept nodding off. I woke up and had a (cold) moist towelette waiting for me along with some mixed nuts in a ramekin. I had some water to drink during the flight. For the dinner, I had the chicken that was served with broccoli and rice. The side accompaniments were a small salad with vinaigrette dressing, dinner roll, and shrimp appetizer. Dessert was the brownie sundae (which I skipped since I was full).
 |
| My Seatmate's Brownie Sundae |
Conclusion
and Final Thoughts
Overall, I felt that it was a great trip as I
enjoyed both the outbound and inbound service on Cathay Pacific. I was finally able to experience the famous
First Class service myself and had the New Business Class configuration on the
way back from Hong Kong. I would like to
try First Class on a Boeing 777 next time as there are only 6 seats (versus 9
on 747) and thus more attentive service.
The Shanghai Tang pajamas are amongst the most comfortable ones I have
ever had and I love the fact that I got 2 sets.
The only thing I felt lacking was the Dragon Air flight on my return as
the service did not met my expectations nor can it compare favorably to my
previous flights on the same route. The
food was not that great and during the weather delay, the flight attendants let
the passengers walk over the plane as they pleased. There should have been some type of order as
everyone rushed off the plane in a stampede.
They had no clue where the bag was located during the entire time. Only when I told them that I got it did they
clear out my claim. I did sent a
customer service letter to ask why my bag was sent to a different airport
(1,600 miles from my home) and why an agent called me at 1AM local time… all I
got was a form response that they will forward my letter to the JFK baggage
services.
NOTE *** I did go and speak with baggage services at HKG to get it resolved in May. My compensation was 500 HKD cash on the spot for the inconvenience on their part.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)