That Time Of The Year!

The joy of award travel!
That Time Of The Year!
  • Home
  • Flights
    • First Class
    • Business Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Economy Class
  • Hotels
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • North America
    • Central America
    • South America
    • Africa
    • Oceania
  • Lounges
  • Credit Cards
  • Non-Travel
  • Others
  • About
  • Disclosure
  • Tag: Star Alliance

    • Air China Economy Class

      Posted at 1:09 pm by TTOTY, on December 18, 2019

      After trying out the Air China First Class from Houston to Panama City, here comes Air China in Economy Class on both regional and short haul flight.

      My recently concluded family trip to Fukuoka was on Air China via Beijing.  At only $2.8k for 6 person, this is an excellent price as the price for Singapore Airlines for the same date came up to $9.2k!  Top up another $400 and you can get yourself on Air China Business class which frankly is not a bad deal.

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Economy Class, Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged Air China, Airbus A330-300, Beijing, Boeing 737-800, Boeing 787-9, Fukuoka, Singapore, Star Alliance
    • Thai Royal Silk Lounge Singapore

      Posted at 11:18 am by TTOTY, on October 23, 2019

      Review by CHC

      As a delegate part of a conference group enroute to BKK, I opted for a walk in upgrade on TG for S$185 to Business class from my Q category ticket so as to be able to review the TG lounge as well as the new A350-900 to BKK.

      The Lounge is located in a quiet spot of Terminal One near the central immigration on level 3. There are a few lounges close by like the SATS (which is accessible via the Priority Pass card) and Qantas lounge.

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Lounges | 0 Comments | Tagged Business Class, Changi Airport, Lounge, Star Alliance, Terminal 1, Thai Airways
    • TG 404 Business Class and TG 409 Economy Class (SIN-BKK-SIN) – an ‘upgraded’ experience

      Posted at 11:22 am by TTOTY, on October 16, 2019

      CHC and I were in Bangkok recently and we had the chance of trying out Thai Airways on their new Airbus A350-900.  We were booked in Economy Class (Q class fare, which is a semi-flex fare) and knowing of Thai Airways’ same day walk up upgrade, we decided to give it a try.

      You can check the seat availability on Expertflyer before travelling to know how full the cabin is but 48 hours before flying, this info is no longer available and one can only check at the check in counter (on the day of flying).

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Business Class, Economy Class, Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged Bangkok, Royal Orchid Lounge, Silverkris Lounge, Singapore, Star Alliance, Thai Airways, Upgrade
    • NH 7 Business Class (SFO-NRT) in pictures

      Posted at 1:41 pm by TTOTY, on September 19, 2019

      Many thanks to KK, my ex classmate who recently returned from ORD for a conference.  He was kind enough to get some pictures for me on his NH 7 flight (SFO-NRT).

      Not extensive (as this was a last minute request) – just some food pictures:

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Business Class, Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged ANA, Business Class, Chicago, Japan, San Francisco, Star Alliance, United Polaris Lounge, USA
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
      CC18D990-1A04-475B-9BAE-37E7FA59F17C
      18A27273-3029-41D0-BFD1-202B0DA922EB

      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
    • SQ11 Business Class (LAX-NRT) and Star Alliance Lounge LAX

      Posted at 9:34 am by TTOTY, on June 30, 2017

      LAX used to be the other route operated on Airbus A380-800 besides JFK.  Things changed as of October 2016 when it was downgraded to a 77WR with a second service to LAX added (SQ7 and SQ8, at the expense of SQ15 and SQ16).  SQ11/12 operates via Narita and SQ7/8 operates via Incheon.  While getting Suites on SQ11/12 was not easy, it wasn’t tough either.  Since the change, it is almost impossible to get even one seat on First Class, let alone 2 (especially you have no status on Krisflyer)!  With only 4 seats, getting 1 will definitely be tough.  Business Class on the other hand, was still doable.

      I was initially due to fly SQ7 via Incheon and onwards to Male.   I decided to change my itinerary and switched over to SQ11 with a Tokyo stopover.  SQ7 previously cost me about USD $370 per person while SQ11 cost me SGD $145.  In total, I paid 68,000 miles (+ another $290) for my flight, which would cost otherwise 93,500 miles if I am not willing to pay USD $100 for the stopover.  Currently, you pay 88,000 miles but you only pay $23.60 for tax! Flight timing has also changed, SQ11 previously leaves LAX in the evening, arriving Narita at 730pm and Singapore at 330am!  With the change, SQ11 departs at 10am, arrives Narita at 130pm and Singapore at 9pm.  This new timing is more palatable for those arriving in both Narita and Singapore for sure.

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Business Class, Flights, Lounges | 1 Comment | Tagged Boeing 777-300ER, Business Class, Los Angeles, Star Alliance, Star Alliance Lounge, Tokyo
    • Award redemption using Krisflyer Miles

      Posted at 10:49 am by TTOTY, on January 14, 2016

      There are many ways / tactics one can use to score an award ticket.  Regardless of ways, the goal remains the same – to score that elusive and highly sought after premium class ticket!

      Continue reading →

      Posted in Flights | 0 Comments | Tagged Award travel, Krisflyer, Miles, Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance
    ← Older posts
    • Posts

      • 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

    • Follow That Time Of The Year! on WordPress.com
    • Meta

      • Register
      • Log in
      • Entries feed
      • Comments feed
      • WordPress.com
    • February 2021
      M T W T F S S
      1234567
      891011121314
      15161718192021
      22232425262728
      « Dec    

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

That Time Of The Year!
Create a website or blog at WordPress.com
Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×