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Travel Hacking, JAL 787, Hyatt Credit Card Devaluation, Cashback Monitor

June 23, 2017 By Trevor Leave a Comment





The Weekly Travel News Roundup is a collection of headlines from around the internet that caught the attention of the Tagging Miles team. Content on these blogs do not necessarily reflect the positions of Tagging Miles, and should not be considered endorsements. Have a great story we should read? Contact us now and let us know.

Travel:

  • Dia shares what can be considered an under appreciated travel hacking tool.
  • Japan Airlines released their 787-9 and it actually looks like a #PaxEx improvement!
  • Visa Signature Card holders get a third night free at Waldorf Astoria, Conrad and Curio hotels for weekend visits. We’ve seen the fourth night free on the Prestige card, so this is a pretty cool opportunity if you ask me.

Miles and Points:

  • Virgin Atlantic has devalued their Delta partnership effective September 1. 
  • The Hyatt Visa Signup bonus will change drastically June 29th. Right now it gives you 2 free nights at any Hyatt Hotel in the world. I used my 2 nights for the Park Hyatt Sydney. Soon it will be a whopping 40,000 Hyatt points, which wouldn’t be sufficient for two nights at the Park Hyatt Sydney. Consider your travel schedule, this may be one to jump on (on the other hand, it might not be).
  • Double dip rewards are always the best. Link your credit card on the Drop App to earn rebates. If you choose to sign up, definitely consider using Chuck’s referral code (author of the link), or consider using mine: xff78. Either way, both you and whoever’s referral code you use will earn 1,000 points, worth $1 in a variety of gift cards.
  • Did you know that Cashback Monitor only updates their portals once per day? Neither did I.

Cashback Monitor

Tagging Miles:

  • Silver Car being bought by Audi.
  • June 18 Southwest turned a year older.
  • Thank you for three great years.
  • Alaska Miles for 2 cents per point
  • Hosted Media Previews
  • 10 percent cash back on Walmart.com

 

Filed Under: Weekly News Roundup Tagged With: Cashback Monitor, Delta, JAL, Japan airlines, Travel Hacking

Review: Japan Airlines First Class Lounge – Haneda

March 15, 2016 By Trevor 1 Comment

  • Introduction
  • Starting Out and American Airlines’ Flagship Lounge – Chicago
  • Review: Japan Airlines First Class 777-300ER Chicago-Narita
  • Review: Japan Airlines First Class Lounge – Haneda
  • Review: Japan Airlines Business Class 777-200 Haneda to Bangkok
  • Review: Thai Airways Orchard Spa and Royal Orchard Lounge
  • Review: Thai Airways 787-8 Business Class – Bangkok to Denpasar-Bali
  • Review: Grand Hyatt Bali
  • Review: Denpasar-Bali Airport and Premier Lounge
  • Review: Singapore A330 Business Class Denpasar-Bali to Singapore
  • Review: Grand Hyatt Singapore
  • Review: Singapore Airlines Private Room
  • Review: Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class Singapore to Hong Kong
  • Review: Emirates Lounge – Hong Kong
  • Review: Emirates A380 First Class Hong Kong to Dubai
  • Review: Emirates First Class Terminal – Dubai
  • Review: Emirates A380 First Class Dubai to Washington, DC (Dulles)

While we arrived into Narita, the only way we knew of (based on available award flights) to avoid an overnight in Tokyo, was to transfer to Haneda, the lesser-known–but perhaps more highly sought after–Tokyo airport. The ride there was not terribly costly and took less than 90 minutes on a limousine bus (I’m still not sure how that works).

IMG_1417

Anyway, before we knew it we were at Haneda’s International Terminal. I had visited this lounge just over a year ago, when my wife flew ANA leading to dueling lounges and airlines, so I was excited to share the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge with her. I even wore a pair of loafers I seldom travel with, just so I could get them shined.

IMG_1422

The Departures hall at Haneda looks much like any other true international airport.

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

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It’s nice of JAL to provide a map of the lounge – it is that big, that it’s just nice to have an idea of what is where.

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We entered the lounge and it was rather quiet, which availed us the opportunity to take a few photos.

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The dining area was similarly quiet.

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And, as any normal person would do, our first stop was at the spa, to schedule our 15 minute massages. Last time I was at this lounge, I had my first (and only) “side” massage, where the table had a buildup so I just laid on my side. This time, despite the lack of photos, it was a true table. I was a little disappointed, merely because the side massage approach seemed pretty relaxing, and unique. After our massages, we moved into the Red room, where we enjoyed sake and some Pierre Laurent champagne, and had my shoes shined.

IMG_1442 IMG_1443

The Red Room had some wonderful atmosphere, lots of #avgeek and travel related accessories. I spent some time just browsing through.

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We decided after another 20-30 minutes to move back to the main area, as we were becoming a bit peckish.

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We browsed the food options, and I ended up having what amounted to a hamburger with JAL’s special sauce made a la cart.

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My wife enjoyed some beef curry, which she felt had the right level of spiciness. And of course, I couldn’t not utilize the beer pouring machine

At some point, my wife decided she needed a shower to wake up (likely, as I was dozing off), she found the showers to be sufficient, not overly amazing (a la Lufthansa First Class Terminal), but certainly good enough.

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

Wrapping Up

Overall, our layover in Haneda was kind’ve long, we had got there somewhere between 5 and 6pm, and we didn’t board until 11:35pm, for our flight to Bangkok. That said, it certainly wasn’t the worse place to spend 5 or so hours. We also felt we had the chance to experience a variety of aspects there, like the shoe shine, massage, etc. I’d say the lounge is definitely worth stopping out, but, similarly to flying Japan Airlines First Class, its hard to say whether I’d go out of my way for it.

 

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: JAL, JAL First Lounge

Dueling Planes from Tokyo-Haneda Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport

January 24, 2015 By Trevor 2 Comments

This is part of our Thanksgiving Round the World trip, you can find my initial thoughts / intro here, Flying All Nippon Airways Square Class, Flying All Nippon Airways Business Class, The Grand Hyatt Tokyo review, Touring the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan, Dueling Alliance Lounges at Tokyo-Haneda Airport,  The Grand Hyatt Beijing, and the Hyatt Regency Mainz.

JAL 787

Starting off, I’m not sure it’s a fair duel. I’m in seat 1K on a JAL 787, my wife and mother in-law are in seats 2A and 2B on an ANA 777. I was surprised to see what appeared to be a longer line for Business Class than Economy. Boarding the 787, the purser stood outside the door welcoming everyone, and for me, it was a short walk left of door 2L to my seat.

My  Seat

My Seat

The load is light today, only 6 of us in the forward cabin.

Our send off

Our send off

In fact, there were so few passengers in business, that as we leveled off, I, being just excited to be on the plane, got up, figuring I might take a photo of Mount Fuji from the lav or door 2L. Instead one of the flight attendants pointed me toward the last seat of business—which was empty—for some amazing shots of Mount Fuji. Well, you be the judge:

Mt Fuji

Mt Fuji

At this point, I was giddy as a school girl (I hope that’s the only time I ever write those words, but, no guarantees). I had gotten some great photos of Mount Fuji, I was on a JAL 787, and the menu came out. I was trying to decide between one dish or another, only to be told that you either choose the Japanese meal or the Western meal. The Japanese meal was heavy on the fish, and while I’m happy to have found out that I’m not allergic to fish, I just don’t get as much enjoyment from it as I do land roaming beasts (yes, I’m talking about the duck). As I ordered, I asked what sake the flight attendant (who I think was the purser) recommended. She offered Rice Sake or Sochu, which was from barley or buckwheat (I’m not an expert). I chose the rice sake. Out she comes a few minutes later with two sakes for me to taste and decide. Mark this, my second Sake Tasting of the trip.

Second Sake tasting

Second Sake Tasting

Gosh I like Sake. I really liked both sakes I was offered. In fact, had I not been feeling the effects, I probably would’ve kept drinking until they were out, but alas I chose to move to a Vodka and Sprite. I did have a VSOP at some point in the meal, primarily because I had asked for another piece of bread. They heard brandy, I got both, I think we were all very happy with the conclusion.
Here’s the meal, but I would be hardpressed to identify each dish.

Western Lunch

Western Lunch

In Flight Entertainment
For the 787, IFE for me in 1K required me to raise a monitor. I searched around a bit, then a bit more for the plug for the headphones. As a Public Service Announcement, I’m including a photo here, because I’ve never seen a plug here before.

Plug location

Plug location between the seats, higher than I would’ve expected.

ANA 777 (My wife and mother in law’s flight)

We got to the gate early as we wanted to make sure my mom had enough time to board the flight without much concern. One great thing with ANA they helped her up the stairs to the plane and took her carry-on bag for her. We were at a remote gate so we go the experience of taking a bus to the plane. Similar to the buses used by Qatar from their old premium terminal to the planes but not a nice and more passengers.

Loading onto the plane

Loading onto the plane

Our send off Team:

Send off

Send off

Once we got airborne, I was starting to think the pilot had a thing for Disney:

Tokyo Disney from the air.

Tokyo Disney from the air.

While we were in the second row and the hard product was old we still had a great view of Mount Fuji.

Mt Fuji in the background

Mount Fuji in the background

It is your call on which photo is better but we did have a slight advantage due to having the better camera. The pilot took us over Tokyo and flew us so close to Mount Fuji that we could make out the small villages at the base of the mountain.

Mt Fuji's close up

Mount Fuji’s close up

Once we took off, they offered us drinks and took our order. I ended up ordering champagne and figured that it would be just a glass but no they brought out a mini bottle that they opened up.

Champagne and rice crackers

Champagne and rice crackers

My mom and I both chose the Japanese menu, as both had only options of fish. It came out in two bento like boxes. I couldn’t tell you what everything was but most of it was very good or at least interesting.

Bento Box for Lunch

Bento Box for Lunch

The seat itself was just okay but sufficient for the short flight. My mom’s feet still couldn’t touch the ground though once she was sitting in the seat. While we did not get pillows I’m sure if we ask they would have been happy to provide as they were in the over head bin. The blanket was nice though.

Seat

Seat

The In Flight Entertainment (IFE) was similar to the JAL flight where you had to pull it out and put it away prior to landing. The options were the same as the ANA flight from ORD to NRT. It makes sense though was a bit disappointing given the small size of the screen. For comparison sake the location of the outlets were a bit easier to find on ANA.

Headphone plug

Headphone plug

Conclusion

Welcome to Beijing

Welcome to Beijing

Japan Airlines 787

Overall, I think the hard and soft products of Japan Airlines is phenomenal. I think the 787 makes the flight more comfortable. While I didn’t get any photos, looking out the port side windows, from the far starboard side, was amazing. I mean, we’re talking movie theater type experience. I would’ve gotten a photo, but there was an older Japanese man looking out intently, almost like the little kid I was, looking out my window (and his).
While it didn’t fit anywhere else in this review, the Duty Free folks (who came through the business cabin twice), didn’t have a 1/200 scale model of a JAL 787. I’m not sure if they felt bad or did it because of my excitement for the 787 we were flying on, but they brought me what I think is probably a 1/600 or 1/1000 scale model. I didn’t really have words, but I am sure I said “domo arigoto” a dozen or so times. The crew in general was amazing.

ANA 777

Overall the flights best quality was the amazing views of Mount Fuji. The staff was great in helping my mom get on the plane with her bag. The hard product was good for a short haul flight but not worth taking as a long haul flight. The soft product was okay though they did forget about the second bottle of champagne and a few other items.

Final Thoughts

Usually we make it a point to conclude after the conclusion, but being that this was a Dueling Planes of similar carriers of All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, we (My wife, my mother in law and I) wanted to make sure we offered our thoughts succinctly in a sentence or two per flight:

Japan Airlines 787

Trevor's plane at the gate in PEK

Trevor’s plane at the gate in PEK

Having only flown one previous flight on ANA, and this being my first flight on JAL, I’m hard pressed to identify any other sub-4 hour flight where I have enjoyed so much, aside from a Thai A380 flight from Hong Kong to Bangkok. The hard product was more than acceptable. An angle lay flat seat (although I understand that JAL is adding fully layflat products in First and Business to their longest haul 787s, such as those to JFK). I think the angled layflat wouldn’t suck on a long haul flight, but, I would general side with a fully layflat. But for a 4-8 hour flight within Asia, I’m really thinking JAL. I’ve had debates with others that anything more than 6 hours, it’s gotta be a full layflat. But with the soft product aka service of JAL, I think I could easily go 8 hours in JAL Business angled layflat. This crew was phenomenal, irrespective of the aircraft. Oh, and if you think ANA is the only plane in the sky with a bidet, you will be surprised to know that the JAL 787 also has a bidet.

signage

Bidet Signage

I share the signage, but I cannot honestly say that I have tested it myself.

All Nippon Airways 777

While the crew made up for the lacking in the hard product it isn’t a plane or flight I would want to take for more than a couple of hours. The seat was an old angled lay flat that had seen better days though still comfortable enough for a short flight. Can’t comment on the lav as I had not needed to use it for such a short flight. The ANA 777’s crew stood out but not to the same extent that the crew did on the transpacific flight we took a few days before.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: All Nippon Airways, ANA, Award Travel, First Class, JAL, Japan airlines, Travel

Dueling Alliance Lounges at Tokyo-Haneda Airport

January 14, 2015 By Trevor Leave a Comment

This is part of our Thanksgiving Round the World trip, you can find my initial thoughts / intro here, Flying All Nippon Airways Square Class, Flying All Nippon Airways Business Class, The Grand Hyatt Tokyo review, Touring the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan, The Grand Hyatt Beijing, and the Hyatt Regency Mainz.

Introduction

In the course of tweaking an amazing round the world trip for my wife, my mother in law, and myself, somehow my flight from Tokyo to Beijing got lost. Learning from Lesson 6 of my valuable lessons learned, I accepted defeat from United and took the opportunity to have my first flight on JAL.

I specifically planned our flights to be within 15 minutes of each other. A further benefit was that we all would be leaving from the same terminal, so for all intents and purposes, we were able to enjoy the same airport experience until such point my wife said she wanted to check out the ANA Business lounge. Of course, that left me having to “settle” for the JAL First Class Lounge (note: even when flying on Avios points, if you have better status in OneWorld, make sure you add that number to your ticket – let’s call that rule #9).

The duel of the lounges

My wife, enjoying the ANA Business lounge made the first blow via Twitter. She found some Ichikawa Sake (we had visited and toured the Ishikawa brewery back in 2011 on our first visit to Japan).

RTW Nov 2014 512

RTW Nov 2014 513

I was jealous, I won’t deny. I was still trying to get my bearings in an expansive JAL First Class Lounge. First I found a chef making pancakes, in addition to an elaborate array of foods and beverages. But as I made my way through the lounge, I saw a sign for massages and “relaxation.” I’ve never been one to turn down a massage. I was told a slot was available in 10 minutes time – perfect I thought, I can explore, maybe use the “automatic beer pouring machine” (let us forget that it was 8am), and look around.

Automatic Beer Machine

Automatic Beer Machine

ANA Lounge

ANA lounge entrance

ANA lounge entrance

My wife on the other hand was finding a very nice noodle bar.

Noodle Bar

Noodle Bar

She introduced her mom to sake and enjoyed the expansive (and empty) ANA Lounge.

Part of the expansive  lounge.

Part of the expansive lounge.

Though since it was 8 in the morning she avoided the “automatic beer pouring machine”. There was a wide array of food though no massage. Which was a bit of a bummer. They did have shower rooms, though.

Sake and Food.

Sake and Food.

When it was time for my massage, I headed over to what I’ll call “the spa.” A masseuse was ready for me and directed me into a small alcove. I saw a massage bed like I’d never seen before, so much padding that I thought my neck would be re-adjusted had I laid down on it. After the masseuse took my sports coat, she directed me to lay on my side. She gave me a nice knee pillow (which, I might add, are way under-rated at hotels. Hotels need more knee pillows!).

So here I was, on my side, and receiving a massage. I’ve had 15 minute massages before. I had a good one at the Emirates First Class lounge (both in the old terminal, and the A380 terminal), I’ve had great hour massages at the Thai First Class Lounge (the Orchard Spa as I recall). But I can’t say until this time, that I’ve had a great 15 minute massage. This was so great, I fell asleep in the first 5 minutes. In all fairness, we could chalk it up to me being a side sleeper, but I also think it was a pretty damn good massage. I had a photo of the table but it was entirely too blurry, even for a camera phone for the blog, so hopefully I was descriptive enough.

Oh, and they had chairs of doom too, but I steered clear.

Stay tune for part two dueling of JAL 787 vs. ANA 777……

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Airline Lounges, ANA, Haneda, JAL, Tokyo

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