Long Haul Business Class for under $2K (Long Post)

[navidnavid]

That's a pro of booking with miles. Cancelling your flights or re-scheduling, in some cases within 24 hours, can be painless. For example:

 

One time in BKK getting a foot massage, my BKK gf was out getting her hair done and she was going to take me on a tour of the legendary BKK Wat's (temples). 

 

The experience was great, we rode the BTS, boat, moto bike, and taxi in this trip. I was sitting "bitch" on a motobike, while my spoiled (she spoiled me too), was enjoying the ride on the back holding on to me. She was a true spinner and sweetheart. She was such a small little firebomb shell, and she wasn't shy, very confident. I looked around and saw everyone on their tours; idiots playing with cameras, backpackers, and foreign tourists. and I felt like I was being taken on a tour by true local, who was coincidentally afraid of heights. One of the prominent Wat's ( Wat Arun, just had to look it up, i come for the babes, not the temples), At Wat Arun Joy was afraid of the heights and I had to help her down, she was genuinely in fear. Sorry i got lost there in  how great Joy was...back on topic:

 

So I am getting foot massage and I decide to check itinerary to make sure I wasn't leaving at the time. To my amazement I was scheduled to depart BKK at 12 am that night. I'm in the military, thats my excuse (valid or not). So I immediately head to room after to re-book a flight out the  next day, not tonight . I had to see BKK with Joy.

 

I was able to get a hold of United reservation line and I was looking at my screen and on my screen appeared a fare out the next day, Thai Airways First Class from BKK to BEJ, then United Global first BEJ- Dulles, Washington DC.  70,000 miles. My original flight was a standard economy award for I believe 70k miles. 

 

I was able to get the flight out the next day, charge of 70k miles and no extra fees. All of this of course was after the first call to United I got disconnected 30 minutes into the call because my Sim card ran out of minutes, I needed a fucking load. haha. Joy ran down to the 7/11 and loaded the sim. Then they also accidentally re-booked me the second time in Business class, typical stuff you sometimes unfortunately have to deal with when you play the game. but it's well worth it when you are sitting in arguably the best seat on the whole plane...for less than pennies on the dollar. 

Edited May 15, 2014 by navidnavid

[Luv2Phuket]

Hey guys. This is a bit off topic, but I think the people following this thread will know the answer. I booked a trip on US Airways Dividend Miles months ago that was supposed to leave this Saturday. Just my luck, but things are rapidly falling apart at work since two people unexpectedly left. Looks like I'm going to have to make a last minute cancellation. I'm on Air Canada for one leg, EVA Air for four legs, and US Airways on the final return leg. Does anyone know my best options for cancellation? I'm I completely screwed? I already accepted the fact that the ticketing fee, surcharges, and PointsPros booking fees are lost, but any way I can get a refund on my miles (120k)?

 

If you have any idea of when you will be able to go, you could contact PointsPros to do a change, instead of a cancellation -- I don;t know if they would charge you for that or not, but it's worth asking (although it seems you have cancelled)

 

I did this in February -- had to cancel at the last minute to attend a memorial service and important meeting In Mexico, so I re-booked it for late May-early June.

 

As noted above, that is one of the HUGE perks of booking with miles....and hotel points!  In fact, given the choice between a hotel that allows cancellation with the loss of only 1 night's deposit vs a hotel that will charge more, I always opt for the one that gives me greater freedom to cancel.

 

Also, one other point to note:

I think US Air has VERY harsh rules re changes after your trip has already started (as in, I don't think you make any!)

[Little Evil]

If you have any idea of when you will be able to go, you could contact PointsPros to do a change, instead of a cancellation -- I don;t know if they would charge you for that or not, but it's worth asking (although it seems you have cancelled)

 

I did this in February -- had to cancel at the last minute to attend a memorial service and important meeting In Mexico, so I re-booked it for late May-early June.

 

As noted above, that is one of the HUGE perks of booking with miles....and hotel points!  In fact, given the choice between a hotel that allows cancellation with the loss of only 1 night's deposit vs a hotel that will charge more, I always opt for the one that gives me greater freedom to cancel.

 

Also, one other point to note:

I think US Air has VERY harsh rules re changes after your trip has already started (as in, I don't think you make any!)

 

No idea of when I'll be free, unfortunately. Ended up having to eat the hotel expense because I was within a week of arrival. There is no worse feeling than riding a giddy high of the days before leaving to LOS, only to find out that you have to cancel, eat a lot of money on pre-booked things, and have no idea of when you get to reschedule. It was like getting racked in the balls. 

 

Thanks for all the advise guys. Miles are back in my account at $100 ($150-$50 tax refund). I already had about 60k in there, so I have a feeling I'm going all out first class when I finally figure out when I can re-book.

[Short]

I bought a Cathay ticket via AA in business class using points.  Now I'm having an itch to do the outbound in first class.  Will AA take the 12.5k in points, or will they charge a penalty of some sort?

Edited May 19, 2014 by Short

[Luv2Phuket]

I bought a Cathay ticket via AA in business class using points.  Now I'm having an itch to do the outbound in first class.  Will AA take the 12.5k in points, or will they charge a penalty of some sort?

 

Not 100% certain, but -- assuming first class is available -- I think you would have to change your reservation, which would incur a $150 change fee + the difference in miles + the increase in any applicable taxes (should be minimal)

 

Cathay first class is absurdly comfortable, and I freakin' LOVE it!  I'm scheduled to be on a first class flight from LAX to HKG in 6 days and about 3 hours (not that I'm counting!  LOL)

 

Here's a somewhat recent review:  http://boardingarea.com/onemileatatime/2013/09/12/review-cathay-pacific-first-class-chicago-to-hong-kong/

 

One other tip/piece of information --

The flight from LAX to BKK is first class ONLY from LAX-HKG.  The HKG-BKK leg is in their regional business class product.  It's less than a 3 hour flight, so no big deal to me.  The LONG flight is the one where I get what is essentially a twin-size bed (and free pajamas!)

 

Not near as clear as the photos in the blog, but here's what my seat looked like after I had the first class attendant make my "bed" for me:

 

 

EDIT: to correct the time, I just checked and I will be getting off of the plane in EXACTLY one week from now!  Geez...lots to do between now and then!

Edited May 19, 2014 by footypjman

[sneradog]

If you are only changing class of service but origin and destination remain the same, then AA does not charge any additional penalty or fee, only the difference in miles and taxes ( which is minimal). and yes, I am speaking from experience :-)

[Luv2Phuket]

If you are only changing class of service but origin and destination remain the same, then AA does not charge any additional penalty or fee, only the difference in miles and taxes ( which is minimal). and yes, I am speaking from experience :-)

 

GREAT NEWS!

 

Short - if you have the miles & first class is available, I would highly recommend you experience Cathy's first class service

[casinoclub]

GREAT NEWS!

 

Short - if you have the miles & first class is available, I would highly recommend you experience Cathy's first class service

 

 

Ok, now I am tempted to upgrade my one BC on CX to FC assuming available.

 

Anyway have fun in Pattaya.

[Little Evil]

I SHOULD BE IN PATTAYA RIGHT NOW!!!!!

 

Sorry. Just in my office, sitting at my desk in a shirt/tie, staring at a stack of paperwork and lamenting over the fact that I just cancelled my EVA Royal Laurel itinerary to BKK. I should be in Pattaya, holding on to my TG, sipping on a Singha. Points Pros was no luck in getting a June, July or Aug replacement itinerary that would work with my schedule. I am in hell.

 

Back on topic--I was under the impression that EVA would remain codeshare partners with US Airways. I thought I read a press release about that last month. Points Pros says "no", and when I went to US Airways website today, I couldn't find EVA listed. Apparently, that ended on 5/14/14. I'm steaming. On the upshot, I have Cathay now, but I'm slowing getting the feeling that it would be easier to book if I were on the west coast. Again, I'm in hell. 

[Luv2Phuket]

I SHOULD BE IN PATTAYA RIGHT NOW!!!!!

 

Sorry. Just in my office, sitting at my desk in a shirt/tie, staring at a stack of paperwork and lamenting over the fact that I just cancelled my EVA Royal Laurel itinerary to BKK. I should be in Pattaya, holding on to my TG, sipping on a Singha. Points Pros was no luck in getting a June, July or Aug replacement itinerary that would work with my schedule. I am in hell.

 

Back on topic--I was under the impression that EVA would remain codeshare partners with US Airways. I thought I read a press release about that last month. Points Pros says "no", and when I went to US Airways website today, I couldn't find EVA listed. Apparently, that ended on 5/14/14. I'm steaming. On the upshot, I have Cathay now, but I'm slowing getting the feeling that it would be easier to book if I were on the west coast. Again, I'm in hell. 

 

I feel for you, bro!

 

EVA relationship with US Air just ended, as PoinsPros noted.  Kinda snuck up on me, as I thought it was much later this year!

 

With all of the shit in Bangkok (and my track record of HORRIBLE luck in Thailand!), I was looking into pushing my trip back to July, since I may need to be in Macau then.  I had no luck finding ANYTHING to BKK or to HKG.

 

Based upon the feedback in other threads and online, I'm still planning to head to LAX on Saturday night at around 9 p.m. and board my flight.

[Little Evil]

I feel for you, bro!

 

EVA relationship with US Air just ended, as PoinsPros noted.  Kinda snuck up on me, as I thought it was much later this year!

 

With all of the shit in Bangkok (and my track record of HORRIBLE luck in Thailand!), I was looking into pushing my trip back to July, since I may need to be in Macau then.  I had no luck finding ANYTHING to BKK or to HKG.

 

Based upon the feedback in other threads and online, I'm still planning to head to LAX on Saturday night at around 9 p.m. and board my flight.

 

If it were me, I'd most definitely go. Take that with a grain of salt though, as I'm also sitting at work messing around with budget reports and P/L statements. LoS sounds mighty good to me right now and I'd probably still go even if someone told me that I would require an AK-47 and a flak jacket upon landing.

 

EVA partnership ending snuck up on me as well. I'm extra pissed as I just cancelled EVA, so there's little to no chance I'll have another go with that airline in the future. I'm sure that pain would quickly melt away if I were to get a Cathay itinerary, but with my luck I'll have to wait until Sept. That's delaying my 6 month vacation another quarter, with no chance of extending. So to recap: Lost out on last EVA Royal Laurel experience, ate my hotel fee, ate US Airways booking fee, ate Points Pros booking fee, and have to wait 4 months making it a grand total of 10 months since my last vacation. I feel like I've been kicked in the nuts. 

 

Sorry--complaining is therapeutic. 

Edited May 20, 2014 by Little Evil

[bgtp]

You have my sympathies, Little Evil. Best of luck getting a trip later on. I'm also on the east coast. It's certainly more difficult for us east-coasters to put a decent award itinerary together. Sometimes, it's worth it to pay out-of-pocket for a 'positioning flight' to get you to a convenient gateway with more options.

 

Footypjman, I'm in Isaan now, but will be getting back to Pattaya this weekend. Drop me a line if you want to meet for a drink and talk boxing and ladies. Maybe catch a fight on TV next weekend?

[Luv2Phuket]

You have my sympathies, Little Evil. Best of luck getting a trip later on. I'm also on the east coast. It's certainly more difficult for us east-coasters to put a decent award itinerary together. Sometimes, it's worth it to pay out-of-pocket for a 'positioning flight' to get you to a convenient gateway with more options.

 

Footypjman, I'm in Isaan now, but will be getting back to Pattaya this weekend. Drop me a line if you want to meet for a drink and talk boxing and ladies. Maybe catch a fight on TV next weekend?

 

If you'll be around, I'm hunting down a place to watch Cotto vs Martinez on the morning of June 8.

 

Also, there should be lots of options on May 31 (big card in Macau + Froch vs Groves 2 + an excellent Thai vs Mexican bout in Cancun, I think).  I'll shoot you a PM once I hit the ground and get a phone number.

[Luv2Phuket]

BIG news today for the rest of you "mile whores" looking for free flights via Chase credit cards -- Chase has added Singapore as a transfer partner for Ultimate Reward points at 1:1.

 

At first Blush, their rate for business class travel from US/West Coast to Southern Asia doesn't seem all that great (90,000 miles each way), BUT I read that they give you a 15% break on the miles if you book it on their website.  That takes it down to 76,500 each way, which beats United's current rate of 80,000 each way via Star Alliance.

 

I'm not rushing out and moving my points there just yet -- it's a longer, more inconvenient flight and my next three trips to BKK are already ticketed -- but it's something to keep an eye on!  Singapore is legendary for their level of service, and I have been dying to try them out. 

 

Also, as the bloggers point out, Kris Flyer also is a transfer partner of Starwood AMEX and AMEX Membership Rewards, so many more ways to load up that account!

[sneradog]

You are correct about the 15% discount, as long as all your flights are on Singapore Airlines. The one catch is that they do impose a hefty fuel surcharge on redemption tickets- I have a trip booked with them NYC to Sydney in Suites and in addition to the miles the cost was over USD 500 (and that is just one-way). As a once in a lifetime splurge I think it is worth it, but from a cost standpoint there are better options out there.

[Luv2Phuket]

You are correct about the 15% discount, as long as all your flights are on Singapore Airlines. The one catch is that they do impose a hefty fuel surcharge on redemption tickets- I have a trip booked with them NYC to Sydney in Suites and in addition to the miles the cost was over USD 500 (and that is just one-way). As a once in a lifetime splurge I think it is worth it, but from a cost standpoint there are better options out there.

 

DAYUM!  That's a hefty tax!

 

I may look at a one way return on a future BKK-LAX leg, but not doing RT at that tax rate!

[Luv2Phuket]

REALLY starting to get excited about my trip in a few days...

 

I just went online to order the meal for my flight HOME on June 9 on EVA.  

 

There appear to be lots of EVA flyers on here -- anybody had the following: "sauteed scallops and prawns with herb cream sauce served with charcoal noodles tossed with olive oil and buttered vegetables"?  

 

That's my choice for now -- sounded damn good!

[casinoclub]

BIG news today for the rest of you "mile whores" looking for free flights via Chase credit cards -- Chase has added Singapore as a transfer partner for Ultimate Reward points at 1:1.

 

At first blush, their rate for business class travel from US/West Coast to Southern Asia doesn't seem all that great (90,000 miles each way), BUT I read that they give you a 15% break on the miles if you book it on their website.  That takes it down to 76,500 each way, which beats United's current rate of 80,000 each way via Star Alliance.

 

I'm not rushing out and moving my points there just yet -- it's a longer, more inconvenient flight and my next three trips to BKK are already ticketed -- but it's something to keep an eye on!  Singapore is legendary for their level of service, and I have been dying to try them out. 

 

Also, as the bloggers point out, Kris Flyer also is a transfer partner of Starwood AMEX and AMEX Membership Rewards, so many more ways to load up that account!

 

This is interesting.  This would make it booking SQ flight much easier with SQ miles.

 

As to the menu, get the Chinese menu and have one of your friends that can read Chinese tell you.  You'll get a better choice. :-)

Edited May 22, 2014 by casinoclub

[wackyjacky]

I've flown CX 1st more than a dozen XS and I can't really say I enjoy or look forward to it. You're in a cell. It's a nice cell, but it's still a cell. The food is decent, but in the outside world it would be considered nothing special. The Krug is a real treat and makes me happy though. However, the caviar is low end and they've gotten rid of the Balik Salmon. The lounges in HKG are top notch for what they are, but lounges are all boring soulless places. Your lines at check in, security, and immigration are smaller, but you still have to go through all that bullshit. The trip still sucks. It just sucks a lot less. I look forward to being where I'm going and not the flights (even in 1st).

[navidnavid]

Just booked Cathay First class to BKK, with a one moon layover in Hong Kong . Then flying Biz class back home.

 

Around ~120,000 AA miles and $150.00

 

The first class ticket alone to BKK, one way, is going for $10,000 dollars right now.

 

Winning. 

Edited May 22, 2014 by navidnavid

[Little Evil]

Just booked Cathay First class to BKK, with a one moon layover in Hong Kong . Then flying Biz class back home.

 

Around ~120,000 AA miles and $150.00

 

The first class ticket alone to BKK, one way, is going for $10,000 dollars right now.

 

Winning. 

 

 

Sweet trip. Can I ask what month your trip is and where it originates? Only reason I ask is because I just tried this earlier this week with no luck. Using US Airways/AA miles to book Cathay from East Coast USA to BKK with either first or business. I tried a total of four separate departure dates (June, two in July and one in Aug) and none of them panned out.  I even tried leaving from Canada. This was through a booking agency too. They typically have an edge. I was told that things are congested during the summer. 

[navidnavid]

Sweet trip. Can I ask what month your trip is and where it originates? Only reason I ask is because I just tried this earlier this week with no luck. Using US Airways/AA miles to book Cathay from East Coast USA to BKK with either first or business. I tried a total of four separate departure dates (June, two in July and one in Aug) and none of them panned out.  I even tried leaving from Canada. This was through a booking agency too. They typically have an edge. I was told that things are congested during the summer. 

 

 

Departing San Fran, and I  made an error in my OP, I am actually landing in Manila, due to no award space available in BKK.

 

I have been on the phone with AA over a week trying to find a suitable award. 

 

It took longer than a week of calling AA. But they have this great call-back option if they are really busy. 

[Little Evil]

Departing San Fran, and I  made an error in my OP, I am actually landing in Manila, due to no award space available in BKK.

 

I have been on the phone with AA over a week trying to find a suitable award. 

 

It took longer than a week of calling AA. But they have this great call-back option if they are really busy. 

 

Got it. I was kind of hoping you found some magic formula to get a current US to BKK itinerary. Maybe I'll try my luck with the old fashioned way of just calling up US Airways. I've had trouble finding specific trips in the past, but not with a 3 month period. 

[fatjack1]

Guys, I was researching (bored) alternatives to my usual EVA in business class lie flat again.  And got a pleasant surprise with a Delta price.  Seems very good.

 

I then visited Seatguru,com and the seating is 1-2-1.  Very good.  Then I read the reviews.  Not good.  Apparently the seats are like a tunnel so small you can not roll over while reclined.  Has anyone flown on these seats with Delta that can give another point of view or confirm?  

[navidnavid]

http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/1503791/cathay-pacific-union-says-female-cabin-crews-uniforms-too-sexy?page=all

 

damnit, I hope I don't get my expectations up too much. I like first class flight attendants just as much as I like working girls, they never let me champagne glass go dry. 

Edited May 25, 2014 by navidnavid