Tagging Miles

A potential benefit of the Electronics Ban for Travel Hackers

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As I read through the news about the Electronics Ban recently announced, I feel for the many that will be negatively impacted by this. I’m additionally concerned about the risk that this forces airlines to take, with respect to having lithium-ion batteries unmonitored in the baggage hold. But yet, the travel hacker in me cannot ignore the potential silver linings here.

Increased Award Availability

This electronics ban affects the home hub of Turkish, Qatar, Etihad, Emirates, Saudia, Air Jordanian, Kuwait, Royal Air Maroc, and Egyptian. What do these airlines represent? Membership of all three global airline alliances and partnerships with even more airlines.

Is it feasible to consider that this electronics ban could lead to fewer booked seats, and thus an increase in award availability? I think its reasonable. After all, an empty seat isn’t generally a good thing on an aircraft. Earning whatever the partner rates are, for a mileage redemption seems better than nothing.

Discounted Business Class Airfares for the Premium Travel Hacker

I realize that not every travel hacker wants to, or even has the means to buy business class fares. But its also no secret that I’ve leveraged these things, even for a crazy mileage run to Cairo. But is it reasonable, given that business travelers are likely to fly via alternative means due to the loss of productivity, that premium cabins fly less full? Again, it’s a reasonable idea.

travel hackers, electronics ban

Etihad A380 First Apartments Bed.

Now how low can premium airfares really go? Well, there was that one deal last year from Sri Lanka to Boston for $2080 for 2 people, round trip. At $1,000 per person for a round trip, I could see travel hackers jumping on flights originating in places like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. I know that while I did the Egypt flights in 2015, I’m more hesitant to return; but I have found the UAE and Qatar to be safe—despite what the electronics ban tells us.

Wrapping Up

I realize that this electronics ban will have a great deal more negative impact than positive. But, I think as travel hackers, we should acknowledge that, and still look for the angle that can yield benefits.

What do you think?

Review: Emirates A380 First Class Dubai to Washington, DC (Dulles)

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We boarded our A380 bound for home (Dulles) after last call had already been announced via the monitors. As you can see below, last call wasn’t truly last call. You’ll also see below that we were on an older A380, with lower walls.

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The Emirates A380 First Class Seat

The seat was comfortable, and just like our previous flight. Hopefully some of these angles are different, to give you a better view of the seat.

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Since we had an older variation of the A380, you can see the older seat / flatscreen control.

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We were provided pajama’s and amenities. Below are those offered to my wife.

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The Meal Service

We couldn’t start off an Emirates A380 First Class experience any way other than with caviar. There is just no other option.

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Following that, we had entrees, here is the beef entree:

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My wife attempted to go healthy with some vegetables and cheese.

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There was also a pre-arrival meal:

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The On board First Class Bar

The bar at the back of the plane was quite crowded but the front bar was very nice. This is of course the same bar that gets converted into a tranquil waterfall after the shower. Note the Henessey Paradis on the left.

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The Emirates A380 First Class Shower

Of course, I couldn’t pass up the shower.

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You’ll note below the different shampoos and soap amenities. Personally, I was disappointed with this change.

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Wrapping Up

Overall, the flight was wonderful. Further, it was nice to arrive at one of our home airports on an A380. It was our first time with that wonderful option! Emirates’ upgauge of their flight to Washington-Dulles is certainly a great benefit. The service, as always, was wonderful.

Review: Emirates A380 First Class Hong Kong to Dubai

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After our visit to the lounge, we were more than anxious to get onboard our Emirates A380 to Dubai.

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The aircraft interior was noticeably newer, with the walls of the suites going higher than the older version. There was also the noticeable difference in the LCD for controlling the seat.

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The seat itself was just like usual.

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Including the mini-bar

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As we settled in, we were offered the standard pre-departure champagne.

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Then a few minutes later, we were offered Arabic coffee and dates. I really do enjoy the arabic coffee.

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A few minutes later one of the cabin crew came around to schedule shower appointments. I chose 2 hours before arrival, as I like to arrive refreshed.

Before long, boarding was complete and we were on our way.

The Meal Service

We started the meal service off with some sort of seafood option. I ended up skipping it, but my wife took one for the team. I think she ended up enjoying it.

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Then there was Caviar

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For my entree, I had a teriyaki beef dish, it was good, not terribly amazing, but certainly was good.

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My wife selected a beef dish, she enjoyed it more than I enjoyed mine.

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Desert was sweet, but not terribly memorable.

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My wife on the other hand, had a chocolate cake / lava cake type thing, which she enjoyed.

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The On board Bar

Despite the short flight, we still found time to make a trip back to the onboard bar. Its really a great amenity, in that it gives you an opportunity to stretch your legs, and mingle with others. I also had the chance to chat with the purser, who at one point stepped behind the bar–a bit uncomfortably so. An interesting point came up in the conversation, was that Emirates doesn’t give their flight attendants crew rest on flights under 8 hours. I guess I can understand that, but 8 hours of constant work in addition to all the pre-departure prep seems like a long time without a break.

Emirates A380 On Board Bar

Emirates A380 On Board Bar

The Emirates A380 First Class Shower

Perhaps the biggest deal about flying Emirates First Class is being able to shower at 40,000 feet. It really is that nice. Each A380 has two shower spas, located on the upper deck, in the nose of the aircraft (or as far forward as is possible on the upper deck).

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They are pretty roomy, have heated floors, and a monitor that shows the airshow–because who doesn’t want to know where they are, when they’re in the shower?

Of particular note on this flight was that Emirates is moving to different soaps / shampoos amenities. Previously Emirates offered two types of soaps / shampoos. One for energizing, and one for relaxing. They are now shifting to only one. This for me, was kind of a shame because I enjoyed the two types. I also enjoyed the extras they had like the exfoliating body wash. Prior to flying Emirates, I didn’t even know that exfoliating body wash existed, but its certainly a nice perk.

Wrapping Up

Overall, the flight was wonderful. If only it was a bit longer.

 

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