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

[bgtp]

2 hours ago, sneradog said:

Just in case you are not aware, the APEC meeting is taking place in Bkk on November 18th-19th with Putin, Kamala Harris, China's Xi(bit yet confirmed,but possible), Saudi's crown prince, Macron, and other leaders all supposed to attend, so I would at least expect traffic disruptions during your stay. In addition, November 16th-18th have been declared a public holiday in Bkk for this occasion creating a 5 day weekend. Hopefully the girls will not decide to go home for the very long weekend, but again, just an FYI...

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2412293/putin-to-attend-apec-summit

FWIW, I was in Bangkok when it hosted the APEC Summit in 2003. They declared it a public holiday then, too. The only noticeable difference was less traffic than normal in the city. I guess there might have been disruptions near the meeting’s location, but I wasn’t anywhere near there, so it didn’t affect me.

[Luv2Phuket]

3 hours ago, sneradog said:

Just in case you are not aware, the APEC meeting is taking place in Bkk on November 18th-19th with Putin, Kamala Harris, China's Xi(bit yet confirmed,but possible), Saudi's crown prince, Macron, and other leaders all supposed to attend, so I would at least expect traffic disruptions during your stay. In addition, November 16th-18th have been declared a public holiday in Bkk for this occasion creating a 5 day weekend. Hopefully the girls will not decide to go home for the very long weekend, but again, just an FYI...

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2412293/putin-to-attend-apec-summit

Thanks for the heads up!

Hopefully, I'll be riding to Pattaya with one of Nam's drivers on the 19th....so I am CERTAiN that things will be fucked up that day, as that's my typical luck! 555

99% sure that my hotel (Hyatt Regency) is connected to the Nana BTS stop and it is a short walk to Soi Cowboy, so I got those areas covered, even if there are traffic hassles.

I wonder if I will get special treatment at the airport (more special than the dedicated immigration lane) by flashing my APEC Business travel card?  555

[HimBadMan]

4 minutes ago, Luv2Phuket said:

Thanks for the heads up!

Hopefully, I'll be riding to Pattaya with one of Nam's drivers on the 19th....so I am CERTAiN that things will be fucked up that day, as that's my typical luck! 555

99% sure that my hotel (Hyatt Regency) is connected to the Nana BTS stop and it is a short walk to Soi Cowboy, so I got those areas covered, even if there are traffic hassles.

I wonder if I will get special treatment at the airport (more special than the dedicated immigration lane) by flashing my APEC Business travel card?  555

When I used my APEC card to enter at the end of August it was easy breezy and nice to get through immigration in under 1 minute but.....     I was thinking afterwards; if i use the APEC line on a tourist visa/Exemption; will that red flag me?     Probably not.  But something I was thinking about. 

Edited October 15, 2022 by HimBadMan

[Luv2Phuket]

1 minute ago, HimBadMan said:

When I used my APEC card to enter at the end of August it was easy breezy and nice to get through immigration in under 1 minute but.....     I was thinking afterwards; if i use the APEC line on a tourist visa; will that red flag me?     Probably not.  But something I was thinking about. 

I don't think Thailand gives a fuck (did it a few times pre-COVID), but I was told NOT to do it in Japan.

Related note - when I worked a worked a fight in Japan, I was told to be certain to say I was just there for tourism, as anything business related would be a huge pain in the ass. Ditto when I attended a couple fo conventions there.

[HimBadMan]

Damn. I think I just fucked up.

I was getting tired of waiting for an award flight to open from BKK back to the states for Dec 3/4.    For the record I've been checking AA, united and Alaska everyday for at least 4 months.

so I saw a Premium Economy Ticket on Japan Airlines (flights are ideal) for approx $1050 OW; which is a semi flex ticket.  Which means I can cancel the flight up to day of departure for a fee of $120.    This way I can still shop for a business flight award and jus eat the $120 if something opens.

Anyway I totally forget that with the new AA loyalty points structure I would have earned 30% more LP and miles booking with AA.

When I tried to cancel my flight; they were charging me that $120 

I thought that all flights in and out to the USA are refunded in full within 24 hours regardless of airline.    am I mistaken?

And of course JAL isn't open and good luck to me trying to reach them even when they are 

[Luv2Phuket]

1 hour ago, HimBadMan said:

I thought that all flights in and out to the USA are refunded in full within 24 hours regardless of airline.    am I mistaken?

And of course JAL isn't open and good luck to me trying to reach them even when they are 

Maybe just out of USA?

Good luck getting JAL on the phone - I gave up after an hour and a half the other day.

Was the price comparable on AA? With my booking, AA was actually a few bucks cheaper.

FWIW, the Loyalty Points for my similar flight booked with AA (actually about $200 more) are only about 9,500.

Pretty sure I cancel up until the day of the flight, but I only get flight credit; not a refund.

[HimBadMan]

12 hours ago, Luv2Phuket said:

Maybe just out of USA?

Good luck getting JAL on the phone - I gave up after an hour and a half the other day.

Was the price comparable on AA? With my booking, AA was actually a few bucks cheaper.

FWIW, the Loyalty Points for my similar flight booked with AA (actually about $200 more) are only about 9,500.

Pretty sure I cancel up until the day of the flight, but I only get flight credit; not a refund.

Ok was able to reach them after only a 10 min hold.  Called right at 8am PST.   Although the website wouldn't allow me to cancel for full refund . The phone agent did honor the 24 hour rule 

[Luv2Phuket]

3 hours ago, HimBadMan said:

Ok was able to reach them after only a 10 min hold.  Called right at 8am PST.   Although the website wouldn't allow me to cancel for full refund . The phone agent did honor the 24 hour rule 

I planned to call EVA when they opened at 8:30 a.m., but got tied up with work. I'm trying to change an award ticket, and you can only do that over the phone, not online.

Now 15 minutes into my hold time.....anybody care to bet the over/under on when I get answered?

I'm taking the "under" as my patience tends to run out after 45 minutes to an hour! 555

I learned in the past that the "cancel and re-book" method does NOT work -- it takes WEEKS to get the miles re-deposited into your EVA account.

EDIT:

Whoever took the "prop bet" on "randomly disconnected after 20 minutes" was a winner!

Second attempt...trying "reservations" option instead of "InfinityMileageLand" this time.

EDIT, PART DEUX:

The "under paid - my second call was answered about 10-12 minutes in, so probably around 30 minutes total hold time.

My original February booking was a little earlier than I preferred - leaving January 29. Assuming my current work project continues, that was just too long of a trip.

Every airline I checked had zero award availability in early February, but an itinerary popped up on EVA last night for a February 4 departure - 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night here; arrival around noon on Monday in BKK; 2:45 minute layover in TPE. Freakin' fantastic!

I was concerned it would be gone by the time I got someone on the phone today, but the one seat was still available and I am locked into it.

I have 2 options for my return - Singapore award on Feb 21 and Qatar award on Feb 24, so I can tweak the length of my trip based on those. I would love to use those Qatar miles, but the timing of that flight sucks and the additional 3 days could be problematic. Gonna play it by ear, though, until at least late January and see where things stand work-wise then.

FWIW, frequent flier bloggers never give EVA credit, but I fnd their program to be excellent (with the exception of mileage expirations). 75,000 miles for OW from LAX/SFO to BKK in an excellent biz class product, and they are a Citi TY transfer partner.

Their program may be shit for flights from USA to Europe, but those don't interest me anyway.

[JustL]

Flying back to BKK from Haneda airport. One of my top three airports. Had to stop into the ANA business lounge for some of that fantastic curry @Luv2Phuket  @HimBadMan They also had this very good potato quiche that I tried. Heads up those traveling into Swampy in the near future. It was packed upon my arrival Friday afternoon, my VIP service was late, immigration hall line was slow and long and the luggage carousel was the slowest I have ever seen it. Granted it was Friday but my VIP escort said that many people have been coming in since Wednesday and the airport expects for these types of rushes to continue through to till Christmas. 

 

Edited October 22, 2022 by JustL

[HimBadMan]

@JustL Thanks for sharing and welcome back!   Hope to catch up next month.   but can totally understand if you don't want to leave your fantastic Bachelor pad.  Haha

[Luv2Phuket]

I am NOT a fan of locking up transferable miles in an airline program unless I know I can book something with them.

EVA has 2 departures late at night from LAX that connect in Taipei and then on to Bangkok on the date I am traveling. Award seating on both is currently showing as "Waiting" (i.e., waitlisted).

As noted above, I bought a PE ticket on JAL, but would like to snag one of these -- would work MUCH better for me, as I would be in business class, using miles (although I would be stuck with a $1200 credit on AA), and I could (hopefully) avoid the absurd 5:20 a.m. departure I currently have from LAS (especially since I will be at an event until around midnight the night before).

Question for the like-minded frequent flyers in this thread - would you transfer the Citi TY to EVA to cover the waitlisted flights?

There currently are 8 seats left (all middle section) on both late night departures (so 16 seats in total between the flights). While not "wide open," I think that could translate to a possible award seat opening on one or the other.

Keep in mind, EVA miles have an expiration date, so the clock starts ticking once they hit EVA.

My goal would be to waitlist BOTH, so hopefully a single transfer of 75,000 points would allow me to do so.

Thoughts?

 

[ThePope]

It seems EVA is the source of a lot of frustration for miles redemptions with their late cancelations and rebooking's. Who knows what the next several years will look like as people around the world look to spend their miles they've continued to build during covid but were unable to use. Massive devaluations or lack of space due to people scooping up. In the short term travel isn't 100% so you may get some last minute availability but that might not be a thing in 2023

Do these EVA seats only open up for their own program?

I see EVA on aeroplan a lot and even had a booking with them 11mo out that i canceled after i figured out the flight isnt currently operating on the day i had booked. Lots of traps with EVA's schedule

Miles expiration is sketchy too so i would only transfer last minute

[madmike]

My flight wasn't done using miles but Air Canada has rebooked me twice now and I haven't even left yet.  So far the changes are like 30 minute time changes but I am nervous.  I'd hate to discover they canceled my non-stop to BKK because it is the ONLY reason I booked with them.

 

[ThePope]

31 minutes ago, madmike said:

My flight wasn't done using miles but Air Canada has rebooked me twice now and I haven't even left yet.  So far the changes are like 30 minute time changes but I am nervous.  I'd hate to discover they canceled my non-stop to BKK because it is the ONLY reason I booked with them.

 

seeing you're from Arizona im hoping you're aware of AC's poor on time performance. Its not unusual for an AC flight to be delayed 1-2hours as they book their turn-arounds tight and dont have extra planes to make up for maintenance issues. Its almost every flight im delayed on AC and often people are running to make a connection. Im on that YVR-BKK flight dec26 and chose a 3h40m connection in YVR and 4h20m connection in YYZ just to be sure i make it and even then im worried ill be downgraded to economy since im on a reward ticket and have no status; if a pilot wants to deadhead or if AC decides to overbook ill likely get bumped but i think that's a low percent chance of happening

 

[madmike]

1 hour ago, ThePope said:

seeing you're from Arizona im hoping you're aware of AC's poor on time performance. Its not unusual for an AC flight to be delayed 1-2hours as they book their turn-arounds tight and dont have extra planes to make up for maintenance issues. Its almost every flight im delayed on AC and often people are running to make a connection. Im on that YVR-BKK flight dec26 and chose a 3h40m connection in YVR and 4h20m connection in YYZ just to be sure i make it and even then im worried ill be downgraded to economy since im on a reward ticket and have no status; if a pilot wants to deadhead or if AC decides to overbook ill likely get bumped but i think that's a low percent chance of happening

 

I have been warned of their poor record.  My connection in Vancouver is 6 hours.  They would have to be incredibly incompetent to fail to get me from Phoenix to VAN on time.  But ya never know. 

Return flight is a bit tighter but heck if I get stuck in Vancouver maybe I'll take a day and look up an old friend who lives there. 

[bgtp]

On 14/10/2022 at 18:59, bgtp said:

After more than a week of uncertainty, American got me sorted and it’s wheels up in a couple of weeks if there are no more changes. It’s not the perfect flight itinerary, but it is acceptable.

As much as this award reservation has been a pain in the ass, it’s no surprise that my trip over was a clusterfuck as well. As soon as I board the plane at MCO, we’re told to deplane due to a weather hold in DFW. They hadn’t even started boarding economy yet. The delay was two hours which corresponded to my connection time. Sure enough as we landed, my flight to NRT was awaiting takeoff.

I was rebooked on a BA flight to LHR connecting to a TG flight. So, I had 7 hours in the Flagship Lounge to kill. It had been a while since I’ve flown thru LHR and reading up about connecting thru it, I started to get a little paranoid on my connection time there. Looking at the departure board I saw an AA flight to LHR three hours before my BA flight and got them to book me on that instead. Good thing I don’t check bags. Why they didn’t do that in the first place, I don’t know.

The AA flight got in at 6 AM and things weren’t too busy yet, so changing terminals at LHR even with going thru security again was a breeze. Plenty of time to shower and relax in the Singapore Lounge. Both flights were B777-300ER with 1-2-1 seating and I managed to sleep well on both flights. I even dozed off sitting up as lunch was being served on the TG flight and woke up when they were serving dessert. I got them to bring me my duck curry after dessert 555. In the end, I got to BKK 7 hours later than planned. It was stressful, but could have been worse and after a 38 month absence, I am back.

[Luv2Phuket]

On 23/10/2022 at 17:34, Luv2Phuket said:

I am NOT a fan of locking up transferable miles in an airline program unless I know I can book something with them.

EVA has 2 departures late at night from LAX that connect in Taipei and then on to Bangkok on the date I am traveling. Award seating on both is currently showing as "Waiting" (i.e., waitlisted).

As noted above, I bought a PE ticket on JAL, but would like to snag one of these -- would work MUCH better for me, as I would be in business class, using miles (although I would be stuck with a $1200 credit on AA), and I could (hopefully) avoid the absurd 5:20 a.m. departure I currently have from LAS (especially since I will be at an event until around midnight the night before).

Question for the like-minded frequent flyers in this thread - would you transfer the Citi TY to EVA to cover the waitlisted flights?

There currently are 8 seats left (all middle section) on both late night departures (so 16 seats in total between the flights). While not "wide open," I think that could translate to a possible award seat opening on one or the other.

Keep in mind, EVA miles have an expiration date, so the clock starts ticking once they hit EVA.

My goal would be to waitlist BOTH, so hopefully a single transfer of 75,000 points would allow me to do so.

Thoughts?

 

To follow up on this, I am now paying the price for "snoozing"....

Perhaps stupidly, I decided to pursue the waitlisted flight yesterday, but I have to wait for the Citi TY to transfer over. Unlike most carriers, it is not "instant." Given the amount of time it is taking for the points transfer, my waitlist options may fall through before I can attempt to book them. THEN I'm on the clock to use the damn EVA miles before they expire.

At last check, one of the flights still has 9 open seats in business class (all interior).

The prospect of having to catch a 5:20 a.m. connecting flight from Las Vegas on a Sunday and then being in a non-lie flat seat for 13 hours has me thinking that getting the late night (waitlisted) flight would be better, even if it means I am out of touch most of the day on Monday.

[HimBadMan]

On 31/10/2022 at 02:46, bgtp said:

As much as this award reservation has been a pain in the ass, it’s no surprise that my trip over was a clusterfuck as well. As soon as I board the plane at MCO, we’re told to deplane due to a weather hold in DFW. They hadn’t even started boarding economy yet. The delay was two hours which corresponded to my connection time. Sure enough as we landed, my flight to NRT was awaiting takeoff.

I was rebooked on a BA flight to LHR connecting to a TG flight. So, I had 7 hours in the Flagship Lounge to kill. It had been a while since I’ve flown thru LHR and reading up about connecting thru it, I started to get a little paranoid on my connection time there. Looking at the departure board I saw an AA flight to LHR three hours before my BA flight and got them to book me on that instead. Good thing I don’t check bags. Why they didn’t do that in the first place, I don’t know.

The AA flight got in at 6 AM and things weren’t too busy yet, so changing terminals at LHR even with going thru security again was a breeze. Plenty of time to shower and relax in the Singapore Lounge. Both flights were B777-300ER with 1-2-1 seating and I managed to sleep well on both flights. I even dozed off sitting up as lunch was being served on the TG flight and woke up when they were serving dessert. I got them to bring me my duck curry after dessert 555. In the end, I got to BKK 7 hours later than planned. It was stressful, but could have been worse and after a 38 month absence, I am back.

Talk about awful. here is my latest..

My award business class when booked was via AA on Cathay Pacific. LAX to BKK.

Now that I'm living in Dallas I needed to get a flight from DFW to LAX on 11/18..   My CX flight leaves 11:45pm..

I booked an award flight segment (in economy) to add to my PNR ( I want to check my bags at DFW to go all the way to BKK)..  24 hours later AA called me to tell me that If they reissue my ticket (because I added that DFW/LAX seg) they will need to bump me from business to economy on CX flights.    They said that since CX has no more award availability they cannot reissue my ticket.   Makes no fkn sense ..

So now I only have one option.  Need to book a separate revenue ticket or award ticket to LAX..

But...  I have decisions to make.   If I check my bags.   I need to check in at DFW.  Pick up at LAX walk my ass to TBIT and wait for Cathay Desk agents to open (4.5 hours before departure).

2nd option.  Try with only carry on.   So I avoid needing to recheck..   Obviously that's best option.  But I pack a lot of clothes and sneakers..

Also .  My question which I don't know the answer to..    can I print my boarding pass for my CX flights?   So I can have access to the Qantas F lounge at LAx?  

Sometimes I noticed that for international travel only way to get boarding pass is via desk agents ..  which will be a waste ..

 

@bgtp

[HimBadMan]

32 minutes ago, Luv2Phuket said:

To follow up on this, I am now paying the price for "snoozing"....

Perhaps stupidly, I decided to pursue the waitlisted flight yesterday, but I have to wait for the Citi TY to transfer over. Unlike most carriers, it is not "instant." Given the amount of time it is taking for the points transfer, my waitlist options may fall through before I can attempt to book them. THEN I'm on the clock to use the damn EVA miles before they expire.

At last check, one of the flights still has 9 open seats in business class (all interior).

The prospect of having to catch a 5:20 a.m. connecting flight from Las Vegas on a Sunday and then being in a non-lie flat seat for 13 hours has me thinking that getting the late night (waitlisted) flight would be better, even if it means I am out of touch most of the day on Monday.

Let's hope u won't lose our while waiting for transfer.     At least you are still finding options.  I can find anything on One world 

[Luv2Phuket]

49 minutes ago, HimBadMan said:

Talk about awful. here is my latest..

My award business class when booked was via AA on Cathay Pacific. LAX to BKK.

Now that I'm living in Dallas I needed to get a flight from DFW to LAX on 11/18..   My CX flight leaves 11:45pm..

I booked an award flight segment (in economy) to add to my PNR ( I want to check my bags at DFW to go all the way to BKK)..  24 hours later AA called me to tell me that If they reissue my ticket (because I added that DFW/LAX seg) they will need to bump me from business to economy on CX flights.    They said that since CX has no more award availability they cannot reissue my ticket.   Makes no fkn sense ..

So now I only have one option.  Need to book a separate revenue ticket or award ticket to LAX..

But...  I have decisions to make.   If I check my bags.   I need to check in at DFW.  Pick up at LAX walk my ass to TBIT and wait for Cathay Desk agents to open (4.5 hours before departure).

2nd option.  Try with only carry on.   So I avoid needing to recheck..   Obviously that's best option.  But I pack a lot of clothes and sneakers..

Also .  My question which I don't know the answer to..    can I print my boarding pass for my CX flights?   So I can have access to the Qantas F lounge at LAx?  

Sometimes I noticed that for international travel only way to get boarding pass is via desk agents ..  which will be a waste ..

 

@bgtp

Even though separate itineraries, you should be able to check your bag all the way through to BKK at DFW.

I had an award ticket on Singapore from SFO, and the Alaska desk was able to check my bag through, since they have a baggage sharing agreement.

On the way back from BKK once, I was flying Thai from BKK to ICN, then Singapore from ICN to LAX. Separate itineraries, because I added a side trip to Thailand to a business trip to ICN. Again, Thai was able to check my bags all the way through. Boht are Star Alliance.

With AA and Cathay both being oneworld, you should be fine.

To be safe, you could call AA, tell them you have a separate itinerary on Cathay. and confirm that you can check your bag all the way through at DFW. 

[HimBadMan]

13 minutes ago, Luv2Phuket said:

Even though separate itineraries, you should be able to check your bag all the way through to BKK at DFW.

I had an award ticket on Singapore from SFO, and the Alaska desk was able to check my bag through, since they have a baggage sharing agreement.

On the way back from BKK once, I was flying Thai from BKK to ICN, then Singapore from ICN to LAX. Separate itineraries, because I added a side trip to Thailand to a business trip to ICN. Again, Thai was able to check my bags all the way through. Boht are Star Alliance.

With AA and Cathay both being oneworld, you should be fine.

To be safe, you could call AA, tell them you have a separate itinerary on Cathay. and confirm that you can check your bag all the way through at DFW. 

Yes, AA changed rules they will no longer do it.  Those bastards.   It's too much work for their unionized employees. Hahha.      Such crap.  

Edited November 2, 2022 by HimBadMan

[ThePope]

if thats the case oneworld is falling apart because it should be easy to interline your bag from any oneworld partner to another on separate tickets. It sounds like they were trying to cancel and rebook your itinerary but didnt see any availability and theres no guarantee your ticket would go back to rewards/the agent would rebook quickly enough so you would be out of luck. Id just carry on only at that point

4. What if I have separate tickets in separate PNRs for itineraries with American to a oneworld airline? When there are separate tickets issued in separate PNR’s, customer’s baggage will be checked to the final destination of the American 001 ticket. The customer is responsible for the baggage fees associated on the second ticket when the baggage is re-checked with the oneworld airline. This may involve exiting the secure area to claim and re-check the baggage. International flights may require clearing customs and rechecking on the other airline to the final destination

[HimBadMan]

19 minutes ago, ThePope said:

if thats the case oneworld is falling apart because it should be easy to interline your bag from any oneworld partner to another on separate tickets. It sounds like they were trying to cancel and rebook your itinerary but didnt see any availability and theres no guarantee your ticket would go back to rewards/the agent would rebook quickly enough so you would be out of luck. Id just carry on only at that point

4. What if I have separate tickets in separate PNRs for itineraries with American to a oneworld airline? When there are separate tickets issued in separate PNR’s, customer’s baggage will be checked to the final destination of the American 001 ticket. The customer is responsible for the baggage fees associated on the second ticket when the baggage is re-checked with the oneworld airline. This may involve exiting the secure area to claim and re-check the baggage. International flights may require clearing customs and rechecking on the other airline to the final destination

Yup.   On your point 4.   My flight is with CX so the final destination of my AA ticket is not 001.     It's LAX.  So I'm SOL.

AA changed this rule in 2016 I believe.    It's such bullshit..

Going to try to fit everything on carry on and my backpack.   But doubt I can make it work.    Will try though for sure

Edited November 3, 2022 by HimBadMan

[Luv2Phuket]

On the plus side, AA is in Terminals 4 and 5 at LAX, which are connected to Bradley.

My (shitty) connection is a SW flight that arrives at Terminal 1, then I have to schlep my bags all the way to Bradley.

[HimBadMan]

6 minutes ago, Luv2Phuket said:

On the plus side, AA is in Terminals 4 and 5 at LAX, which are connected to Bradley.

My (shitty) connection is a SW flight that arrives at Terminal 1, then I have to schlep my bags all the way to Bradley.

Only connected of I don't check bags.   If I collect baggage that walk sucks.  Especially if land in term 5.