That Time Of The Year!

Monthly Archives: June 2019

• Lufthansa Senator Lounge (FRA) Revisited

  Posted at 12:07 pm by TTOTY, on June 30, 2019

  

  After trying out both Lufthansa Senator Lounge and Maple Leaf Lounge in Frankfurt during my last 2 visits, I have decided to try out the Senator Lounge again.

  Until recently, transit in Frankfurt requires security check – which has since been dispensed with, though you still get an escort from the door to the lounge.  Instead of weaving through the airport, one disembark straight to the waiting gate and straight to the lounge.  In the past, you will come to the Maple Leaf Lounge first but with this new arrangement you reach the Senator Lounge first.

  Senator Lounge is used as the First Class Lounge for Star Alliance First Class and Star Alliance Gold passengers.  Unfortunately, there is no admission to the Lufthansa First Class Lounge or First Class Terminal (for those departing from Frankfurt).

  Continue reading →
  Posted in Lounges | 0 Comments | Tagged First Class, Frankfurt, Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Maple Leaf Lounge, Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance, Star Alliance Gold

• Virgin Clubhouse JFK – sanctuary in a busy airport

  Posted at 2:03 pm by TTOTY, on June 28, 2019

  

  Although Singapore Airlines does not maintain any lounge in either of the New York airports they operate from (JFK and EWR), passengers can access the Virgin Clubhouse in Newark Liberty (which I had written of here).  In New York Kennedy, Business Class passengers will have access to Swiss Air Lounge while Suites passengers the Virgin Clubhouse.

  Continue reading →

  Posted in Lounges | 0 Comments | Tagged Award travel, JFK, Lounge, New York, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

• Copa Club Tocumen Airport and The Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network

  Posted at 2:14 pm by TTOTY, on June 27, 2019

  

  The name Copa Club gave me a vibe that it is modelled after United Club.  Being the hub airport, I figured that Copa Club should be of a certain standard.  My gut feeling tells me that I won’t be great since it is a Priority Pass lounge and turned out that my gut feeling was right.

  Continue reading →

  Posted in Lounges | 0 Comments | Tagged Copa Club, Global Lounge Network, Panama City, Panama Tocumen Airport, Priority Pass, The Lounge Panama

• Landry’s Seafood IAH Terminal C and non-lounge use of Priority Pass Card

  Posted at 12:50 pm by TTOTY, on June 26, 2019

  

  One of the perks that comes with the Priority Pass lounge is the non-lounge benefit in selected restaurants.  This was introduced only recently, but nearer home – we already had a similar concept.

  Continue reading →

  Posted in Lounges | 0 Comments | Tagged Citi Premiermiles Card, Citi Prestige Card, DBS Visa Altitude, George Bush International Airport, Houston, HSBC Visa Infinite, Landry's Seafood, Priority Pass, Standard Chartered Visa Infinite

• United Club and KLM Crown Lounge Houston (IAH)

  Posted at 10:47 am by TTOTY, on June 26, 2019

  

  United Airlines has recently introduced a new premium lounge called United Polaris Lounge.  These lounges are many miles above the United Club (and possibly United First Lounge – which I have tried once back in San Francisco).  Currently, Polaris Lounge is only available in these locations:

  Continue reading →

  Posted in Lounges | 0 Comments | Tagged Houston, KLM, KLM Crown Lounge, Lounge, Priority Pass, United Airlines, United Club

• SQ 25 Suites (JFK-FRA-SIN) – my favourite cabin once again

  Posted at 8:53 pm by TTOTY, on June 23, 2019

  

  After 2 flights on SQ 26, finally I get to try SQ 25.  In the past, it was easier to redeem the Suites on SQ 26 but it seems to be the opposite now.  Despite 2 devaluation, Suites on SQ 25 and SQ 26 remains elusive (except for Advantage tickets)!

  The flight was previously operated using the All-Business class upper deck cabin but since June 1, it has been changed to the older A380 (with upper deck rear-economy section).  Although this reduces the number of Business Class seats on this flight, the overall number of Business Class seats into and out of New York has increased with the reintroduction of SQ21/22 in October 2018.

  Continue reading →

  Posted in First Class, Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged Award travel, Frankfurt, New York, Singapore, Singapore Airlines, SQ25, Suites, The Private Room

• CM 804 Business Class (PTY-JFK) – Good alternative connecting into Latin and South America for Star Alliance

  Posted at 8:50 pm by TTOTY, on June 22, 2019

  

  After 1.5 weeks in Texas and Panama, it was time for us to move on to our final stop – New York.  Without any fifth freedom flights from Star Alliance, I am left with either Copa Airlines or United Airlines.  While United Airlines had a slightly better timing, redeeming a ticket can be rather challenging.  Copa Airlines on the other hand can be redeemed directly from the Krisflyer portal without any issue.  Although there are 3 flights into JFK, neither is good and only CM 804 was available for redemption (for my travel date).  The redemption cost is 30,000 miles per person in Business Class.

  Continue reading →

  Posted in Business Class, Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged Award travel, Boeing 737-800, Business Class, Copa Airlines, Copa Club, Krisflyer, Panama City, Star Alliance, Tocumen International Airport

• CA 885 First Class (IAH-PTY) – First Air China experience

  Posted at 4:04 pm by TTOTY, on June 22, 2019

  

  This is a very new route that was launched only in April 2019.  Twice a week, Air China would have a 5^th freedom flight from Houston to Panama City operated on a Boeing 777-300ER.  The other options would be United Airlines which uses a Boeing 737.  Between an international long-haul First Class vs a domestic USA First Class, the choice if very obvious.

  Air China being part of Star Alliance can be redeemed using Krisflyer miles (and it can be searched directly from Singapore Airlines website).  The miles required on First Class is 40,000 miles per person while Business Class requires 30,000 miles (it has since been devalued to 46,000 and 34,500 miles respectively).

  So how did the flight go?

  Continue reading →

  Posted in First Class, Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged Air China, First Class, George Bush International Airport, Houston, Krisflyer, Panama, Panama City, United Club

• UA 1045 First Class (IAH-AUS)

  Posted at 1:56 pm by TTOTY, on June 21, 2019

  

  After a 25.5 hours flight into Houston and another 3.5 hours wait in the airport – it is time for the final leg of my journey into Austin.  I was initially thinking of taking a Megabus/Greyhound from Houston into Austin (cheapest) but I figured that I won’t have the stamina to do that (and I am glad that I did not do it).  We flew into Austin instead on United Airlines.  So far, I have only tried Domestic Delta Airlines (JFK-BOS and JFK-YUL).  So how did United fare?

  Continue reading →

  Posted in First Class, Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged Austin, Bergstrom International Airport, Boeing 737-900, George Bush International Airport, Houston, Interline, UA1045, United Airlines, USA

• SQ 52 Business Class (SIN-MAN-IAH) – my long and arduous journey into the Lone Star State

  Posted at 12:15 pm by TTOTY, on June 21, 2019

  

  That Time of The Year 2019 (second edition) came and went and my body is still trying to adjust back to local timing.  After the discontinuation of SQ67/68, SQ51/52 is now the longest route for Singapore Airlines.  The Houston route was previously flown using a 777-300ER via Moscow (SIN-DME-IAH) but has since changed to an A350-900 (hence eliminating First Class on this route) and the layover stop is now in Manchester.

  Continue reading →

  Posted in Business Class, Flights | 3 Comments | Tagged Book The Cook, Business Class, Changi Airport, George Bush International Airport, Houston, Manchester, Priority Pass, Ringway International Airport, Singapore Airlines, SQ52

• Posts

  • Flying once again!
  • VTL Experience Part 3 – Homecoming (SQ23 Business Class Review)
  • VTL Experience Part 2 – New York City Ground Experience
  • VTL experience Part 1 – a short getaway to NYC (SQ 26 First Class Review)
  • Intercontinental Hotel Bugis Singapore
  • SQ380 Business Class a.k.a Dine@A380 – Flight of Hope (or desperation)
  • Together, we shall prevail!
  • Review – Life in quarantine facility
  • What I fear, is the fear itself.
  • TTOTY 2020 – not a great start
  • Korean Air Business Class Second Act – The Apex Suite
  • Korean Air Business Class in pictures – KE 644 (SIN-ICN) and KE 765 (ICN-CTS)
  • Looking back at 2019
  • Air China Economy Class
  • Bank of China Elite Miles Card – my crappy experience
  • SQ 32 Business Class (SIN-SFO) in pictures
  • SQ 979 Business Class (BKK-SIN)
  • Renaissance Hotel Bangkok
  • T/G Lounge (DPS)
  • Thai Royal Silk Lounge Singapore
  • TG 404 Business Class and TG 409 Economy Class (SIN-BKK-SIN) – an ‘upgraded’ experience
  • Park Royal Kuala Lumpur – more GHA hotel review
  • Capitol Kempinski Singapore and GHA Discovery Black
  • Holiday Inn Resort Batu Ferringhi, Penang
  • TR 426 (SIN-PEN) and AK 1729 (PEN-SIN) review – tale of 2 budget airlines
  • SQ 611 Business Class (ICN-SIN) in pictures
  • NH 7 Business Class (SFO-NRT) in pictures
  • Sony WH-1000XM3 – The must have traveling companion!
  • Panama San Blas Islands & Panama San Blas Tour – Paradise in the Caribbean
  • Panama – my experience
  • Austin ATX Pass and Houston Segway Tour
  • SQ 637 Suites (NRT-SIN)
  • Intercontinental New York Barclay – an old gem in the Big Apple
  • Crowne Plaza JFK, New York
  • Changi Jewel Lounge
  • Delta One & Korean Air Business Class
  • UA 2 & UA 1 Economy Class (SIN-SFO-SIN) in pictures
  • The Westin Playa Bonita
  • Silverkris Lounge makeover …. finally!
  • Gamboa Rainforest Resort – an old gem badly in need of makeover
  • Waldorf Astoria Panama City
  • Hilton Americas-Houston
  • Lufthansa Senator Lounge (FRA) Revisited
  • Virgin Clubhouse JFK – sanctuary in a busy airport
  • Copa Club Tocumen Airport and The Lounge Panama by Global Lounge Network
  • Landry’s Seafood IAH Terminal C and non-lounge use of Priority Pass Card
  • United Club and KLM Crown Lounge Houston (IAH)
  • SQ 25 Suites (JFK-FRA-SIN) – my favourite cabin once again
  • CM 804 Business Class (PTY-JFK) – Good alternative connecting into Latin and South America for Star Alliance
  • CA 885 First Class (IAH-PTY) – First Air China experience
  • UA 1045 First Class (IAH-AUS)
  • SQ 52 Business Class (SIN-MAN-IAH) – my long and arduous journey into the Lone Star State
  • That Time of The Year 2019!
  • Gardens Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur
  • First Class or Business Class redemption? A simple breakdown on Krisflyer
  • Long Haul Economy Class or Short Haul First Class?
  • SQ 218 Suites (MEL-SIN) and Silverkris Lounge Melbourne in Pictures
  • SQ 217 Suites (SIN-MEL) in pictures
  • Food in Kansai
  • Wa Yamamura – a must try in Nara!
  • Holiday Inn Osaka Namba – strategically located budget hotel
  • Mikasa Ryokan Nara – a sanctuary for relaxation
  • SQ 618 (SIN-KIX) Business Class – a fairly simple sleeper flight
  • SQ619 Suites (KIX-SIN) – A Great Way To Fly!
  • OD807 Business Class (KUL-SIN) in pictures
  • The end of an era
  • IHG Ambassador Programme
  • Upcoming Krisflyer devaluation
  • Grand Millennium Hotel Hongqiao Shanghai
  • Happy New Year 2019!
  • MH609 (KUL-SIN) Business Class & MAS Golden Lounge in pictures
  • 2018 – looking back
  • SQ 830 (SIN-PVG) and SQ 833 (SIN-PVG) Economy Class
  • MI 988 and MI 985 Business Class (SIN-WUH-SIN)
  • SQ21 Business Class (EWR-SIN) – post inaugural flight back to Singapore
  • Special feature – SQ22 Inaugural (SIN-EWR) Premium Economy
  • SIN-EWR Inaugural
  • Air China First Class Lounge Shanghai
  • SQ618 Business Class (SIN-KIX) – Pictorial review of the Dreamliner
  • SQ828 First Class (SIN-PVG)
  • Holiday Inn Express Mongkok, Hong Kong
  • Holiday Inn Munich City Centre – conveniently located within Munich City
  • Imlauer Pitter Hotel Salzburg – Cosy Boutique Hotel just a stone throw away from the Mirabel
  • Heritage Hotel Hallstatt – a hotel in the UNESCO World Heritage town
  • MI 986 and MI985 Economy Class (SIN-WUH-SIN) – my furthest flight on a 737
  • SQ22/21, here we come!
  • Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge, Changi Airport Terminal 4
  • CX712 Business Class (HKG-SIN) and The Deck Business Class Lounge
  • CX711 Business Class (SIN-BKK-HKG) – First Cathay Pacific experience
  • Holiday Inn Bangkok
  • Oman Air Business Class Lounge Bangkok
  • Adlers Hotel Innsbruck – A gem in the Tirolian capital
  • Radisson Blu Plaza Helsinki
  • Rovaniemi Scandic Hotel
  • London Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel – a luxury that is in need of some uplifting
  • SQ974 and SQ973 Economy (SIN-BKK-SIN) – The Dreamliner makes a debut
  • BA926 (LHR-MUC) Club Europe – a good way to use your Avios
  • Arctic Snow Hotel and Igloo Hotel Rovaniemi
  • SQ327 Business Class (MUC-SIN) – My first A350-900 XWB ride
  • AY412 Economy Class (KAJ-HEL)
  • AY533 Economy Class (HEL-RVN)
  • SQ 308 Suites (SIN-LHR) – a rather underwhelming Suites experience
  • Krisflyer Spontaneous Escapes – March Edition
  • Helsinki Finnair Business Class Lounge
  • Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge Doha
  • Plaza Premium First Lounge KLIA (Part 2)
  • Qatar Airways A330-300 Business Class
  • QR849 Business Class (KUL-DOH)
  • Intercontinental Landmark 72 Hanoi (Club Intercontinental)
  • SQ 176 and SQ 175 Business Class Review (SIN-HAN-SIN)
  • KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes Promotion
  • Hotel Jen Puteri Harbor, Johor
  • KLIA Plaza Premium First Lounge
  • OD 807 Business Class (KUL-SIN) and KLIA Premier Access Lounge
  • SATS Premier Lounge Changi Terminal 2 and MH614 Business Class (SIN-KUL)
  • Berjaya Time Square Hotel Kuala Lumpur
  • QR 852 Business Class (DOH-KUL)
  • Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Lounge Doha
  • QR40 First Class (CDG-DOH)
  • Qatar Airways Premium Lounge Paris
  • South African Airways Premium Baobab Lounge
  • Bidvest Domestic Lounge, Cape Town
  • SA8651 Economy Class (CPT-SZK)
  • Enhanced security screening going into USA from Canada
  • That Time Of The Year 2017 – Part 2
  • Royal Park Hotel The Haneda
  • Hakone Yoshino Pax Hotel
  • Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome
  • LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel
  • Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
  • Banff Aspen Lodge
  • SQ478 Business Class (SIN-JNB-CPT)
  • St. Regis Hotel Vancouver
  • Delta Hotels by Marriott Montreal
  • SQ631 Business Class (HND-SIN) and ANA Business Lounge Haneda International Airport
  • SQ11 Business Class (LAX-NRT) and Star Alliance Lounge LAX
  • AC578 Economy Class (YYC-LAX) and Calgary Aspire Lounge
  • TS8788 Economy Class (YVR-YYC)
  • AC307 Domestic Business Class and Maple Leaf Lounge – a case of downgraded bird
  • DL 4106 Domestic First Class – A very forgettable experience!
  • SQ26 Suites (SIN-FRA-JFK) Round 2, with my first ever in-flight medical call
  • That Time Of The Year 2017 Part 1
  • Let’s talk about Avios
  • My take on the upcoming devaluation of Krisflyer Miles
  • The day we all dread …..
  • A Tale of 3 Lounges
  • Seoul Courtyard Marriott Time Square Club Room
  • MH616/66/67/607 Business Class (SIN-KUL-ICN-KUL-SIN)
  • Special! 7D 5N Parlo Tour (Malaysia) Hokkaido
  • Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur
  • New Chitose Air Terminal Hotel
  • MH619 Business Class (KUL-SIN)
  • D7 551 Economy Class (CTS-KUL)
  • NH63 Economy Class (HND – CTS) – and Ninja Wifi review
  • SQ636 First Class (SIN-HND)
  • More upcoming review
  • SQ67 Business Classs (GRU – BCN – SIN)
  • Sumaq VIP Lounge, Lima
  • Premier Lounge Ngurah Rai Airport
  • ANA Suites Lounge Narita Airport
  • Changi Airport Terminal 1 Dnata Lounge
  • Upcoming review for October 2016…
  • JW Marriott Cusco
  • KL836 Business Class (DPS-SIN)
  • KL835 Business Class (SIN-DPS)
  • Next up? Bali
  • My short Malaysia getaway
  • MH628 & MH 605 Malaysia Airlines Economy (Via JAL Redemption)
  • Award redemption using Krisflyer Miles
  • Credit Cards that offer renewal miles
  • Citibank Prestige Card
  • SQ856 Business Class (SIN-HKG)
  • MH73 & MH609 Business Class (HKG-KUL-SIN)
  • SQ866 Suites (SIN – HKG)
  • The Haven by Jetquay Lounge
  • Penang Rasa Sayang Shangri La Resort and Spa
  • San Francisco Hyatt Regency
  • Los Angeles Residence Inn L.A. Live
  • Missisauga ALT Hotel
  • Niagara Sheraton On The Falls
  • Toronto Intercontinental Club Room
  • Boston Intercontinental Club Room
  • New York Residence Inn Times Square
  • Part 6(B) – SQ 15 First Class (ICN – SIN)
  • Part 6(A) – SQ 15 First Class (SFO – ICN)
  • Part 5 – Amtrak Coast Starlight, Sleeper Cabin (LAX – SFO)
  • Part 4 – AC 791 Transcontinental Business Class (YYZ-LAX)
  • Part 3 – AC 7627 Domestic Business Class (BOS-YYZ)
  • Part 2 – DL 4004 Domestic First Class (JFK-BOS)
  • Part 1(B) – SQ 26 Suites (FRA-JFK)
  • Part 1(A) – SQ 26 Suites (SIN-FRA)
  • That Time Of The Year – 2015!
  • Round The World Trip
  • SQ807 Business Class (PEK-SIN)
  • SQ802 Suites (SIN-PEK)

• Archives

  Archives Select Month January 2023  (1) November 2021  (3) December 2020  (1) October 2020  (1) April 2020  (1) February 2020  (3) December 2019  (5) November 2019  (1) October 2019  (6) September 2019  (6) July 2019  (14) June 2019  (11) May 2019  (2) April 2019  (3) March 2019  (6) February 2019  (2) January 2019  (5) December 2018  (2) November 2018  (1) October 2018  (3) September 2018  (2) August 2018  (1) July 2018  (4) June 2018  (5) May 2018  (2) April 2018  (5) March 2018  (6) February 2018  (4) December 2017  (2) November 2017  (2) October 2017  (2) August 2017  (8) July 2017  (14) June 2017  (7) April 2017  (1) March 2017  (3) November 2016  (3) October 2016  (7) September 2016  (1) August 2016  (1) July 2016  (6) June 2016  (2) April 2016  (1) March 2016  (1) February 2016  (1) January 2016  (2) December 2015  (21) November 2015  (1) July 2015  (1) November 2014  (2)
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• June 2019

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