All posts tagged: Airline

Airline Review: Air France Business Class Paris to NY

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*I had written this post before Covid-19 upended the travel and airline industry. I hope we can go back to our wanderlust days safely soon. It is unclear how Air France’s offerings will be impacted by the pandemic. On my recent flight from Paris to NY, I was able to try out Air France’s business class on an Airbus A380-800. This model will eventually be replaced by a newer and more efficient version later in 2020. I was very sick returning from a holiday in France, so a comfortable journey was a necessity. This was my experience on Air France in comparison with other business class flights that I have taken over the years. Value: Average Generally, AF’s Paris to NYC flight costs a few thousand dollars each way. Some discounted business class flight upgrades may be available on the day of departure at the check-in counter. Seat: Average For a business class seat on a 7+ hour flight, I was disappointed to find out that it was not a fully lie flat bed even …

Review: Japan Airlines Sky Suite 787 Business Class from New York to Tokyo

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Over the years, I have faithfully flown Japan Airlines whenever I traveled to Japan or any destination in Southeast Asia. JAL has one of the best services of any airline and the cleanest bathroom even after a 14-hour flight. I had opportunities to fly on their business class a few times and have finally sat down to write this review. Value: Above Average Japan Airlines’ round trip on business class from NY to Tokyo will run approximately $7,000 and prices go up from there. I did a price comparison to ANA’s business class and for the same dates, the fare was around $9,000. You can also buy a premium economy ticket and upgrade with points to business class as an alternative to the full fare. Seat: Above average JAL’s product is called Sky Suite, a fully flatbed seat with direct aisle access that is very spacious. The seat configuration on my recent flight was in a 2-3-2 layout with privacy partition between adjoining seats, so you do not have to see your neighbor except for …

Air France (AF):  How does the AF’s premium economy stack up to other airlines?

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Over the past few years, airlines have created the premium economy class to meet the demands of its customers for a class between  cramped economy and expensive business. This premium class is offered on international flights due to generally long distances traveled and customers’ desire for little bit more leg room. Air France is one carrier that recently revamped its premium economy class and we tested the offer on our recent trip from New York to Portugal. Flight: Premium Economy from NY JFK connecting at Paris-CDG airport with the final destination arriving in Lisbon on Boeing 777-300ER. Lounge Access: None. Non-business passengers do not have lounge access. Priority Line: Premium class customers have Sky Priority access which really is the only perk to the economy premium class. Sky Priority is reserved for Premium, Business and First class customers. You will enter through the expedited passport, customs and boarding line. Sky Priority is worth it if you have a connecting flight in Paris. The passport and security line is very short for Sky Priority which is necessary for going …

Airline Review: Bangkok Airways

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Bangkok Airways is a regional boutique airline that services the local southeast Asian cities. I had a pleasure of taking a flight with Bangkok Airways from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Bangkok, Thailand and the flight was much better than I expected. In this review, I will give you my assessment of my experience flying on this regional airline. ‘ Value: Above Average The price for a one way flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok varies approximately $50 to $100 for a one way ticket depending on the time and date. It is slightly higher than other regional airlines but the service and quality are much better as well. Seat: Average The seat in coach was average in comfort and seat space. I am 5 feet tall and you can see that there was still a decent amount of space left after I sat down. Boarding: Average Boarding was orderly and efficient. This is actually a plus as I’ve been on many regional flights and boarding can vary from chaos to semi-orderly. Food: Above Average I was very …

What it is like to travel on Spirit Airlines for the first time.

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For a “well-worn” traveler, I have always looked for the best value in airfare and not simply focusing on the lowest possible price. For that reason, I have not taken a budget airline in the past few years.  I finally had the opportunity when I needed to book a direct flight to Las Vegas for my birthday trip.  I was eyeing Jet Blue but, alas, they did not have a flight that would accommodate my travel schedule so I bit the bullet and booked with Spirit Airlines.  Here is what I discovered when taking Spirit Airlines. Read the fine print before you book your tickets. This is one airline where it’s worth your time to read the fine prints!  If you don’t, you will have sticker shock on what they will charge you.  The “add on fees” will end up costing you more than taking a normal airline flight. Make sure to book, check-in and pay for everything in advance.   Spirit Airlines will charge a premium fee for printing out your boarding pass, paying for your …

Airline Lounge Review: Japan Airlines Business Class Lounge at Narita Airport (Terminal 2)

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I often take Japan Airlines to my destinations in Asia and I always look forward to freshening up and relaxing at their Business Class Lounge in Narita Airport.  The Japan Airlines Business Class lounge is called the “Sakura Lounge”.  The lounge has a great mixture of western and eastern amenities.  Both Business Class and Premium Economy members have access to the lounge which can prove to be crowded at certain times. Location The Sakura Lounge is located at the T2 Main Building on the second floor after passing through security for connecting flights. For Japan Airlines Premium Economy customers, make sure to go to customer service located right after security to get lounge access pass if it was not given during the initial flight check in. Layout The lounge is split into two floors.  The first floor (same floor as the entrance) is busier and has the main food area of the lounge.  The bottom floor is accessible by descending down the grand staircase.  On the bottom of the staircase are storage lockers for small …

Airline Review: Japan Airlines Premium Economy

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As one of the founders for Orphans’ Futures Alliance, I take several trips each  year to Asia to oversee operations and meet our partner orphanages and government contacts.  I normally dread the 17+ flight from Boston.  In recent years, I have found an affordable option to make these trips less painful and more enjoyable.  Japan Airlines (JAL)) introduced their “Premium Economy” a few years ago and I have become an ardent fan. Disclaimer:  The author paid for the upgrade to premium economy at her own expense.  Value:  Above Average Japan Airlines offers larger Premium Economy seats, above average service, and amazing lounge access for a great value.  The ticket is $200-400 round trip for the upgrade from economy and is cheaper than other airlines. Seat:  Above Average Japan Airlines Premium Economy has “fully recline” seats with much bigger space and leg room.  The plane is divided into first class, business, premium economy, and economy.  The premium economy is sectioned off for the flight.  The bathrooms are shared between the premium economy and economy cabins. Priority Boarding: Average Priority …