Yesterday, one of the most hotly-anticipated border reopening occurred, as Japan finally resumed allowing individual tourists in, and reinstating visa-free entry for nationals of previously exempt countries pre-Covid. This is great news for many who love travelling to Japan, myself included. In fact, Japan was recently named as the number one country Singaporeans want to…
Review: EVA Air 787-9 Business Class (TPE-SEA)
After a peaceful and pleasant 2h or so in EVA’s The Infinity lounge, it was time to continue my journey to Seattle. This was a flight I was looking forward to, as it was my first time on a long haul EVA business class flight – I’ve only done business on regional and premium economy…
Review: EVA Air ‘The Infinity’ Lounge
The end of the previous instalment had me clear of transit security, and hunting for an EVA Air lounge in Taipei before continuing my journey to Seattle. EVA Air operates several lounges in TPE, in this case I ended up at The Infinity. I have visited the The Infinity many times on previous trips, as…
Review: EVA Air 777-300ER Business Class (CGK-TPE)
Trip Introduction A couple of weeks ago, I had an opportunity to visit West Coast USA (or mostly the Pacific Northwest) for about a week. My girlfriend had to be in Seattle for work, since I had free time on my hands I decided to accompany her. It also gave me the opportunity to try…
Review: Capella Singapore (One -Bedroom Garden Villa)
A couple of weekends ago, I stayed a night at one of Singapore’s most expensive and luxurious hotels – the Capella Singapore. The main purpose of this stay was burn up some GHA Discovery D$ that were expiring in a couple of months, and also get across the line to GHA Titanium status. Since it…
Review: Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class SIN-CGK
I’ve been fortunate in my previous jobs to have had the pleasure of enjoying First class on routes as nearby as Brunei, and as far as Houston (when it was operated by the 77W via Moscow). There’s normally no real reason to fly First class on such a short flight, but of course I wanted…
Review: New Singapore Airlines The Private Room, Changi Airport T3
The new The Private Room finally brings the SIA ground experience on par with the best globally, and befitting of the onboard experience. After a Covid-induced delay, Singapore Airlines finally opened new The Private Room (TPR) and First Class lounges at the end of May 2022. When the opening was announced, I figured I should…
Qantas Asks Management to Volunteer as Baggage Handlers
A couple of days ago, it was reported that Qantas (QF) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Colin Hughes had sent an email to senior executives and managers, asking them to volunteer as baggage handlers on a part-time basis. Qantas is reportedly looking for at least 100 volunteers at Sydney and Melbourne airports. This makes sense since…
Review: Conrad Koh Samui (Five Islands View Pool Villa)
The Conrad Koh Samui may be a little isolated, but it makes up for it with lovely rooms and great views. A few service kinks to work out, but overall an excellent stay. A friend once described the Conrad Koh Samui to me as an “influencer magnet”. I disagree with that notion – in my…
My 2022 Mid-Year Airline and Hotel Status Progress
As we’re a little past the middle of 2022, I thought I’d share what my airline and hotel status goals are for the year, and my progress to hitting these statuses. Everyone has different programmes that work best for them. Choice of loyalty programmes depend on travel patterns and for many, on corporate agreements as…