That Time Of The Year!

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  • Tag: First Class

    • VTL experience Part 1 – a short getaway to NYC (SQ 26 First Class Review)

      Posted at 1:07 pm by TTOTY, on November 30, 2021

      Ahhhh – I can finally smell the cabin at altitude after 22 months of being grounded!  How VTL finally allowed me to scratch my flying itch after so long.  Covid-19 has changed the way we know about international travel with the biggest bane being the Covid-19 swab and post-travel quarantine.  Although we still can’t run away from the pre & post travel swab, we at least can avoid post-travel quarantine that can potentially eat into our annual leave entitlement.

      The Booking Process

      Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) was first launched in September with routes from Germany (Frankfurt and Munich) and Brunei.  How VTL became a traveling game-changer is that flying back to Singapore on the designated VTL flight will allow us to avoid the need for 7 to 14 days of post-travel quarantine.  More info on VTL on Singapore Airlines website.

      I was initially hesitant to fly as I anticipate there will be a surge in demand and securing a ticket will be difficult.  Moreover, getting away from work was not easy during this period.  By mid-October, the itch got unbearable, and I decided to make the plunge.  After looking around at both Munich and Frankfurt, I decided on Frankfurt as their availability was better and more importantly, SQ 325 has First Class.  I was initially booked on SQ26(still on A350-900) in Business Class and SQ 325 in First Class.  Not long after, more VTL routes were announced including New York (JFK).  After 24 hours of consideration, I changed my booking. 

      At 237,000 miles for First Class on SQ 26, this represent a very very hefty redemption since it is just to scratch my flying itch! My 3 previous redemptions on this route were 93,500 (my first SQ26), 93,500 (my second SQ26) and 120,000 (SQ25). .  After almost 2 years of not flying, the brain is no longer rational … and TADA!  To come back, I cannot take SQ 25 as it is not a designated VTL flight (yet).  My only choice was to fly back on SQ 23 on the A350-900 ULR (which is another flight that I would love to try) and this flight cost me 140,000 miles (vs. 135,000 which I paid for SQ 21 back in 2018). 

      Booking myself on the SQ 26 was a risky gamble as I am technically not allowed to enter USA via Germany at the time of booking.  There were however talks on USA loosening its border and I was counting on it.  That announcement finally came in which the border will open on 8 November for vaccinated travelers (Yippie!) otherwise I will have to change my booking to SQ 24 instead.

      Posted in First Class, Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged America, Changi Airport, First Class, JFK, Silverkris Lounge, Singapore, Singapore Airlines, SQ26, VTL
    • Silverkris Lounge makeover …. finally!

      Posted at 11:54 am by TTOTY, on July 5, 2019

      Ever since the first time I step foot into Silverkris Lounge in 2012 (and The Private Room in 2013), it has been errr….. stuck in a time warp.

      My first impression of the Business Class lounge back then was one of grandeur and opulence, with its luxurious marbled floor and walls.  Together with the large food and beverage selection, it was the lounge I would love to be in back then.

      Just as I thought that nothing can be better, my first experience in the First Class Lounge and The Private Room (TPR) changed my mind.  The lounge within a lounge concept made TPR an exclusive sanctuary.  The a la carte dining menu made the TPR even more special.

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Lounges | 0 Comments | Tagged Business Class, Changi Airport, First Class, Silverkris Lounge, Singapore Airlines, The Private Room
    • 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
    • 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 5th 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
    • That Time of The Year 2019!

      Posted at 11:04 am by TTOTY, on June 21, 2019

      My recently concluded TTOTY was a good break – and now its time to pen my thoughts.

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Others | 0 Comments | Tagged Air China, Business Class, Copa Airlines, First Class, Food, Hilton, Intercontinental, Lounge, Panama, Priority Pass, Singapore Airlines, That Time Of The Year, Travel, USA, Waldorf Astoria
    • Long Haul Economy Class or Short Haul First Class?

      Posted at 12:26 pm by TTOTY, on April 24, 2019

      One of the most common question someone new into redemption would ask:

      ISN’T IT BETTER FOR ME TO DO A LONG HAUL ECONOMY/PREMIUM ECONOMY REDEMPTION INSTEAD OF REGIONAL/SHORT HAUL PREMIUM?

      The answer is NO.  The 2 rules I will tell my friends would be:

      • No Economy / Premium Economy redemption
      • No ADVANTAGE redemption (this however may work to your ADVANTAGE)

      I have broken both rules before – and this was for a special reason – SQ22 Inaugural and SQ21 return.

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Others | 0 Comments | Tagged Business Class, Economy Class, First Class, Krisflyer, Miles, Redemption, Singapore Airlines
    • Upcoming Krisflyer devaluation

      Posted at 4:46 pm by TTOTY, on January 17, 2019

      With only one week to go, the cost for award redemption on Singapore Airlines is going up for both First and Business Class redemption (I shall only talk about Saver Award – lets be realistic, I doubt many of us can afford the Advantage Award ticket).  The cost for Economy Class redemption remains the same and the margin between Premium Economy and Business is so small that Premium Economy is not worth considering (barring special circumstances).

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Flights | 2 Comments | Tagged Award travel, Business Class, Devaluation, First Class, Krisflyer, Redemption, Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance
    • Air China First Class Lounge Shanghai

      Posted at 3:20 pm by TTOTY, on September 6, 2018

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      Singapore Airlines does not have a Krisflyer lounge in Shanghai which is a tad surprising considering that SQ flies 4 daily flights to PVG, so First Class or Suite passengers are invited to use the No.71 Air China First Class Lounge located near gate D71, but on the second floor where there are other cafes and restaurants located.

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Lounges | 0 Comments | Tagged Air China, First Class, Lounge, Shanghai, Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance
    • SQ828 First Class (SIN-PVG)

      Posted at 4:19 pm by TTOTY, on August 25, 2018

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      After a hiatus, lets hear it again from CHC on his most recent trip on SQ F to PVG on the 77WR (using the 2013 F cabin, but spotting just 4 instead of 8 seats).

      Continue reading →

      Posted in First Class, Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged Boeing 777-300ER, Changi Airport, First Class, Krug, Shanghai, Silverkris Lounge, Singapore Airlines, The Private Room
    • QR40 First Class (CDG-DOH)

      Posted at 5:20 pm by TTOTY, on August 1, 2017

      The emergence of Airbus A380 opened up many possibilities for airlines to configure their planes, once impossible.  We have Singapore Airlines with their Suites, Etihad with their Residence and Apartment and Emirates with their on board shower.  These special classes can be configured to be on either level 1 or 2 (although Airbus prefers it to be on level 2).  Qatar houses its First Class cabin on the upper deck, with only 8 seats.  It has a very generous 83” pitch but with only 23” of width.  Unlike Singapore Airlines / Emirates or Etihad, Qatar Airways uses open suite.  They have an on-board bar in between First and Business Class cabin (this is not something unique and is available on both Emirates and Etihad A380).

      Continue reading →

      Posted in First Class, Flights | 1 Comment | Tagged Doha, First Class, Paris, Qatar Airways, QR40
    ← Older posts
    • Posts

      • 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)
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