This is another Worldwind adventure we took with the help of Aeroplan Points. This trip will take us to Paris, Bangkok, Phuket, Rome and Zurich.
13 Days, 11 Flights, 6 Countries and countless lounges.
YVR-YYZ Air Canada Business (Pods)
YYZ-YUL Air Canada Business (Pods)
YUL-MUC Lufthansa First
MUC-CDG Lufthansa Business
CDG-BKK Thai First (Suites)
BKK-HKT Thai Business
HKT-BKK Thai Business
BKK-FCO Thai First
FCO-ZRH Swiss Business
ZRH-YUL Swiss First (Suites)
YUL-YVR Air Canada Business
We booked before the July 2011 point increase and before the Fuel surcharges for partners imposed in November 2011.
Originally we had YVR-YUL-ZRH-BKK-HKT-BKK-FCO-FRA-YYC-YEG-YVR but then Lufthansa decided to end the "First Class Season" 1 month earlier on the FRA-YYC flight (And also on the FRA-YVR). They downgrade us to Business on FRA-YYC. We made some changes, added CDG and came back via ZRH-YUL.
We used 120,000 Aeroplan points and about $500 each in taxes and fees (Before we added CDG it was only $250 each)
Vancouver-Phuket 'The Long Way'
Part 1 - Introduction
Part 2 - YVR - YYZ + Maple Leaf Lounge (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1347963-trip-report-vancouver-phucket-long-way-first-business.html#post18606370)
Part 3 - YYZ - YUL + Maple Leaf Lounge (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1347963-trip-report-vancouver-phucket-long-way-first-business.html#post18606380)
Part 4 - YUL - MUC + Plane to Plane Limo Ride (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1347963-trip-report-vancouver-phucket-long-way-first-business.html#post18606384)
Part 5 - MUC - CDG + Paris + Star Alliance First Class Lounge (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1347963-trip-report-vancouver-phucket-long-way-first-business.html#post18606388)
Part 6 - CDG - BKK + Domestic Business Lounge (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1347963-trip-report-vancouver-phucket-long-way-first-business.html#post18606394)
Part 7 - BKK - HKT + Phuket + Domestic Business Lounge (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1347963-trip-report-vancouver-phucket-long-way-first-business.html#post18606397)
Part 8 - HKT - BKK + 10 minutes in Bangkok + Royal First Class Lounge + Orchid Spa (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1347963-trip-report-vancouver-phucket-long-way-first-business.html#post18606399)
Part 10 - FCO - ZRH + Zurich + Swiss First Class Lounge (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1347963-trip-report-vancouver-phucket-long-way-first-business.html#post18606407)
Part 11 - ZRH - YUL + Maple Leaf Lounge (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1347963-trip-report-vancouver-phucket-long-way-first-business.html#post18606410)
Part 12 - YUL - YVR
(http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1347963-trip-report-vancouver-phucket-long-way-first-business.html#post18606413)
Part 13 - Conclusion (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trip-reports/1347963-trip-report-vancouver-phucket-long-way-first-business.html#post18606415)
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:24 pm
Our flight left YVR at 8am on a Sunday so public transit wasn't an option. We drove to YVR and parked in the Long Term Economy lot. After a quick shuttle bus we were at the airport in no time.
We checked in at the Air Canada Counter and with the "Security Fasttrack" invitation, we were in the Maple Leaf Lounge within minutes.
The lounge wasn't very full and they had coffee, cereals and toast.
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Vancouver Airport - Maple Leaf Lounge
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Vancouver Airport - Maple Leaf Lounge
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Vancouver Airport - Maple Leaf Lounge
Our first flight was an Airbus 330-300 with Air Canada's 'Executive First' Pods.
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Air Canada AC 142 - Airbus A330-300 (333)
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Air Canada AC 142 - That's me
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Air Canada AC 142
The flight was rather uneventful, we had a Pancake breakfast.
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Air Canada AC 112
Before we knew it we were in Toronto.
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:26 pm
We were only in Toronto for 1h30. We went for a quick visit to the Maple Leaf Lounge. It was packed and we had to share a seat in the back corner. We had a bit of pasta and a drink and it was time to go.
Our next flight (YYZ-YUL) although very short also had the AC International Pods. We were on the YYZ-YUL portion and this flight continued on to Brussels.
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Air Canada AC 832 - Boeing 767-300-ER (763)
The pods had a small footrest.
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Air Canada AC 832
The pods are not ideal for 2 people traveling together. The make it hard to have a discussion.
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Air Canada AC 832
After a very short flight (1h10) we were in Montreal.
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:27 pm
After flying Air Canada across the country we were looking forward to Lufthansa First Class. The First Class cabin was empty, there was only 1 other person with us.
It was a wonderful flight, just a bit too short (compared to YVR-FRA).
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Lufthansa LH 475 - Airbus A340-300 (343)
We had a tight connection in Munich (50 minutes) and the captain announced that we would land 30 minutes late due to weather delays in Munich.
Fortunately when we exited the plane there was a Lufthansa limo waiting for us. Our driver took us to the Terminal where an Immigration officer was waiting for us (We spent about 45 seconds in the terminal) and then she took us to our next plane (MUC-CDG) also by limo. We spent a total of about 12 minutes in Munich. Now that's a connection !
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:28 pm
The Munich to Paris flight was very short, we were flying on an Airbus 319 in business class. The seats were the same as economy 3 seats on each side except that in Business the centre seat was not allocated.
The flight was Lufthansa LH 2230 - Airbus A319-100 (319)
Paris was a very nice city, we spent most of our time exploring with the Hop On-Hop Off bus.
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Paris at night
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Paris at night
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Paris - Le Louvre
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Paris
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Paris - Hop On Hop Off Bus
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Paris - Moulin Rouge
Paris was great but I wouldn't recommend going in mid-November. It was very cold (Close to freezing) and wet. We still had a great time but I'm sure it would be a lot nicer when it's warm.
After 3 days in Paris it was time to leave. We made our way to the Airport on a express bus. Check-in with Thai Airways was a breeze and we were in the Star Alliance First Class Lounge within minutes of arriving at the airport.
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CDG - Star Alliance First Class Lounge
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CDG - Star Alliance First Class Lounge
And now we're off to Bangkok.
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:29 pm
We were very exited about our next trip as we were scheduled to fly on a Thai Airways Boeing 777 that they rent from Jet Airways. What makes this very exciting is that First Class has actual "Suites". Thai has a tendency to downgrade their planes at the last minute, on FlyerTalk we refer to this as "Thai Lotto".
For this trip we were lucky and the plane was a 773.
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Thai Airways TG 931 - Boeing 777 (773)
When we arrived in Bangkok we had a buggy waiting for us. We asked to go to the First Class Lounge but unfortunately our driver said it was not possible. We had to clear customs and make our way to the "Domestic" terminal.
The buggy took us to customs and after clearing customs we were escorted on foot to Business Lounge in the domestic terminal.
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Thai Airways Escort
The lounge was nothing to write home about, it had a bit of food (Sticky Dim Sum + Hot Dog sausages). There was no alcohol which was surprising. We spent a few hours in the "Garden Area", they had huge couches where we had a nap.
Coming up: Flight to Phuket
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:30 pm
Our next flight was Thai Airways Business class to Phuket.
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Thai Airways TG 205 - Airbus A300-600 (AB6)
We stayed at the brand new Holiday Inn Resort at Mai Khao Beach. This hotel was in the middle of nowhere (Away from the busy beaches of Patong) and often we were the only ones on the beach.
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Holiday Inn Mai Khao Beach Resort - Lobby Area
The beach was amazing
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Holiday Inn Mai Khao Beach Resort - Beach
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Holiday Inn Mai Khao Beach Resort - Sunset
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Traditional Thai Fisherman
Phuket was amazing, it was relatively inexpensive, the beach was amazing and the Thai people are very friendly, warm and inviting. We are certainly going to return.
After 5 days in Phuket it was time to continue our journey. We took a taxi from the Hotel to the airport, checked-in almost immediately and we were in the Thai Airways Royal Silk Lounge. The lounge was ok, it had Tea, Coffee, Juice and Pop and there were a few fruits and sandwiches. There was no Alcohol.
An now we're heading back to Bangkok.
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:30 pm
Our flight back to Bangkok was also an Airbus A300-600
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Thai Airways TG 206 - Airbus A300-600 (AB6)
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Phuket International Airport (HKT)
We arrived in Bangkok at 13:35 and our next flight was at 0:01. With a 10h30 connection we decided to go into town. We checked-in our bags and left our carry-ons with at the Thai first class check-in counter and we took the Express train into town.
We've been to Bangkok before this time of year but for some reason when we got out of the train onto the street, we both felt extremely hot and uncomfortable. We walked into a 7-11 and bought some water and enjoyed the air conditioning for a few minutes. Then we decided to go back to the Airport. I grabbed a quick fresh Coconut on the Street and we went back to the Express train.
Once we got back to the Airport we proceeded to the First Class check in area and from there we were escorted through the VIP security. We were in the BKK First Class lounge in no time. At this point we had about 9 hours left to enjoy the lounge.
We scored a Private Room in the lounge
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Thai's First Class lounge at BKK - Private Room
We had a nice meal, our massages, a shower and before we knew it it was time to board our flight to Rome.
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:31 pm
The boarding for this flight was a Free-For-All. I guess since the boarding check for the flight is 'Before' the waiting area it's very hard for them to monitor the boarding process. When we checked-in we were advised that this plane was the older First Class configuration (16 seats in First Class).
Although the cabin felt more like "Business" the impeccable Thai service made up for it.
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Thai Airways TG 944 - Boeing 747-400 (747)
The Flight was great, a bit of food, a bit of drink a snooze and before we knew it we were in Rome.
We took the train from the Airport into town.
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Train from the airport
We really enjoyed Rome, it was much more of a walking city than Paris.
After 2 days in Rome it was time to get back to the airport for our next flight. The Rome Airport was a Zoo. The Priority lineups were longer than the Economy ones and even if there were 200+ people waiting in line in the Priority queue, there was only 1 Xray machine open.
Since we were flying Business to Zurich, we only had access to the contracted "Rome Mosaici Lounge" which was sub-par. There was no self-service bar (everything was served by a Bartender), the White wine was at room temperature and to say the sandwiches were dry would be an understatement.
Next: Off to Zurich
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:32 pm
This was a short flight in intra-europe business class with 3 seats on each side. In Business the centre seat was turned into a small table.
We had a nice meal and I had a couple of "Mini Champagne" bottles (Single Serve). The flight attendant asked me if I wanted another bottle before landing, I said 'sure'. She came back very apologetic and said they had run out. It was not a problem and I was fine. Well the Flight Attendant went to the galley and prepared a gift for us. She wrapped a Full Size champagne bottle in a Swiss napkin + red ribbon. She also prepared a bag with about 15 or so bags of crackers, cookies, pretzels and gave them to us with a smile. She said here's your breakfast for tomorrow morning.
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Swiss LX 1737 - Airbus A320-214
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Swiss LX 1737 - View from the plane
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Swiss LX 1737 - View from the plane
We arrived in ZRH and we tried to use the First Class Lounge the day before our First Class flight. We showed the next day's boarding pass (ZRH-YUL First) and asked if we could use the showers. We were not allowed in.
We made our way to the hotel by commuter train + taxi. The taxi was 40 Euro for about 12 KM. The very nice Cab driver (From Ghana) apologized for the high fare. He mentioned that so many people come to Zurich with money that the cost of living has sky rocketed.
After we checked into our hotel we went out for a walk to find a restaurant. We found a "Mini Chinatown" (3-4 Chinese restaurants in 1 area). We thought that Chinese food would be inexpensive, well not in Zurich. We had 2 plates (Beef+Broccoli and Diced Chicken), a 5 Euro pot of tea and 1 Coke for 50 Euros. It was good but back home (Vancouver) we would have paid $20 max.
Zurich was nice, we were only there for 1 night. To maximize our Lounge Experience we decided to spend the night.
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Zurich - Don't try this at home
The next morning we took a tram + commuter train to the airport. There was a dedicated area for First Class and we were checked-in in minutes. We went through priority security and we were in the First Class lounge in no time.
The Lounge was amazing, the food and drinks were very diverse and the lounge was very clean. I would say that this lounge is better than BKK (less the free massage) but not as good as the First Class Lounge in Frankfurt.
There was a self-serve bar near the buffet and a bartender in the sit down restaurant area. When we first arrived the lounge was empty but then it filled up for 20 minutes at a time, then cleared up and filled up again.
I really enjoyed the food.
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Zurich First Class Lounge
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Zurich First Class Lounge
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Zurich First Class Lounge
And now it's time for our flight to Montreal.
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:33 pm
This was my favorite flight of the entire trip. The legendary Swiss service, the incredible food and drink made this flight truly memorable. I just wished it was longer.
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Swiss LX 086 - Airbus A330-300 (333)
Once we arrived in Montreal we cleared customs in no time and went to the Maple Leaf Lounge for a couple of hours. The lounge was packed, we had a few nacho chips + salsa and a couple of drinks.
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:33 pm
This was an uneventful flight, we flew business on an Airbus 320-200(320) which didn't have the international Pods. The seats were not very comfortable. Having to do it again I would have connected via Toronto and tried to get a flight with Pods.
The flight was long and the highlight was receiving an amenities kit with a small red blanket, eye shade and an inflatable neck pillow.
InsaneTravel
May 19, 12, 2:34 pm
This was a fantastic trip:
14 Days
11 Flights (4 First Class - 7 Business Class)
25353 miles flown (40,564 km)
4 Airlines (Air Canada, Lufthansa, Thai Airlines and Swiss)
5 Countries
7 lounges
4 Hotels (1 InterContinental (CDG), 2 Holiday Inn (HKT+FCO) and 1 Crowne Plaza (ZRH))
Phuket and Rome were amazing, I would love to go back to bot of them. Paris when it's cold isn't so great but we will probably go back in warmer months. Other than the First Class Lounge, Zurich wasn't so great.
Approximate Costs for this trip (for 2 people in Canadian Dollars):
$2,400 for Aeroplan points (I value Aeroplan points at $0.01 per point (I would pay $0.01 to purchase a point))
$400 for Flight taxes and fees
$800 for Hotels (Includes 4 buffet breakfasts and a few airport transfers)
$800 for Taxis, Buses, Subways, a few Meals and Souvenirs
For a total of $4400
Closing Notes:
Favorite city: Phuket
Favorite lounge: Thai Airlines First Class Lounge in Bangkok
Favorite flight: ZRH - YUL
Favorite meal: Breakfast buffet at the Holiday Inn in Phuket
Favorite hotel: InterContinental Paris
Best part of the trip: Spending time with my wife on the beach in Phuket
Thank you for reading, it was certain a pleasure to write. If you have any questions or comments please post them here so that we can all benefit.
I.T.
InsaneTravel
May 26, 12, 5:15 pm
These are links to our "Hotel Reviews" on TripAdvisor.com
Paris: InterContinental Paris Le Grand (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187147-d207742-r121113730-InterContinental_Paris_Le_Grand-Paris_Ile_de_France.html)
Phuket: Holiday Inn Phuket Mai Khao Beach (http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g1223683-d2159981-r121113505-Holiday_Inn_Phuket_Mai_Khao_Beach_Resort-Mai_Khao_Phuket.html)
Rome: Holiday Inn Express Rome - San Giovanni (http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g187791-d313193-r121114425-Holiday_Inn_Express_Rome_San_Giovanni-Rome_Lazio.html)
Zurich: Crowne Plaza Hotel Zurich (http://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowUserReviews-g188113-d234263-r121114061-Crowne_Plaza_Hotel_Zurich-Zurich.html)
fly_ebos
May 27, 12, 11:48 am
Thank you for sharing your experience! Seems you had a wonderfull time.
InsaneTravel
May 27, 12, 7:47 pm
Thank you for sharing your experience! Seems you had a wonderfull time.
Thanks for the feeback Fly_Ebos, this trip was amazing. It was our 2nd (of 3 so far) mini RTW trip and they are getting better every time!
I'm doing the research for our next one now.
Thanks again,
I.T.
NYBanker
May 27, 12, 9:47 pm
Thanks for sharing. It sounds like the two of you had a great trip!
NoY
May 28, 12, 6:44 am
Nice report - brings back great memories of my own travels, including Phuket (sorry, but ther is no "c" in Phuket) :)
InsaneTravel
May 28, 12, 8:36 pm
Thanks for sharing. It sounds like the two of you had a great trip!
Thanks NYBanker, it was an amazing trip and we are planning to go back to Phuket this year. Can't wait !
Nice report - brings back great memories of my own travels, including Phuket (sorry, but ther is no "c" in Phuket) :)
Thanks NoY, I'm not sure what I was thinking ;-) I made the corrections everywhere I could. Apparently you can't correct the main "Thread Subject".
JamesBond_ppk
Jul 26, 12, 3:27 pm
Another great trip. It seems you manage to find F availability easily with Aeroplan. Not the case with US Airways Dividend Miles I can tell you that :)
MVF Trekker
Jul 26, 12, 10:43 pm
Thanks for sharing. The pictures are great. Have you considered putting them on a website like Travelpod.com? It allows you to post pictures and blog as you complete your itinerary.
Euan
Jul 27, 12, 6:22 am
Just read this trip report... thanks for sharing :)
Gamecock
Jul 27, 12, 6:04 pm
Nice trip report.
We are going to Thailand in December and can hardly wait.
InsaneTravel
Jul 28, 12, 9:02 am
Another great trip. It seems you manage to find F availability easily with Aeroplan. Not the case with US Airways Dividend Miles I can tell you that :)
Thanks JamesBond_ppk,
I did book before Aeroplan increased their point requirement, added fuel surcharges on partners and before Lufthansa stopped releasing First Class until about 2 weeks before departure. And also before Swiss stopped releasing First all together.
I can assure you there is still quite a bit of availability in First from Europe to Asia (Thai, Asiana, United International for instance).
And as far as I know, US Airways and Aeroplan should have access to the same Star Alliance flights. Where you might see a difference is on the 'Stop Over' rules.
Thanks for sharing. The pictures are great. Have you considered putting them on a website like Travelpod.com? It allows you to post pictures and blog as you complete your itinerary.
I appreciate the feedback MVF Trekker, I did create a blog account on WorldPress.com but decided to write about my trip here instead; When we fly we average about 1 flight per day and there's not enough time to blog everyday. I will usually blog when get get to 2-3 day stops or when we have a lot of time in the lounge.
Just read this trip report... thanks for sharing :)
Thanks Euan!
Nice trip report.
We are going to Thailand in December and can hardly wait.[/B]
Gamecock you are going to have the time of your life !!! I just love Thailand, the people, the places, the food, the relatively low prices !
We've been 3 times in the last 18 months and every trip has been better than the last. Our next trip (in Oct 2012) will be taking us back to Thailand in Koh Samui; this will be our first time in this area of Thailand and I'm really looking forward to it.