ProudWings
Nov 16, 03, 9:42 pm
After reading posts from FT members (STAR forum) decided on booking a RTW ex CAI. I didn’t want to take the two long hauls on TG (cheapest rate) and the difference in costs was not that great so booked through AC. AC allow flights to be booked to start anywhere and still be charged at rate effective in the country in which the itinerary starts (great info at http://www.rtwinfo.co.uk/ft/First%20Frame.htm). Took the FRWSAR1 with taxes came to around $6,200 Can. No advance ticketing. Ticketed at YYZ.
Since I was in UK for a few days used points LHR-CAI (on LH via FRA) and then pick up the CAI-FRA LH flight on its return later that night. I was a bit unsure as to how to handle destination for checked baggage. In the end choose to pick up bags in CAI and recheck them for start of RTW flight.
Overall this was a great trip. The start was less than appealing though. After arriving at CAI (18.30) needed to get visitors VISA (UK passport) – paid around $15US. Picked up bags and moved to departures area only to find that the check-in booths did not open until midnight. Ended up sitting in departures area for over 5 hours with absolutely nothing to do. No shops, tiny coffee shop in basement that was not appealing. When we were finally allowed through security into the check-in area, even though LH staff were there no one got checked in until airport staff arrived. Not an auspicious start but considering the coast savings still worth it.
Only one lounge at CAI shared by all airlines. Soft drinks and sweet and savory baked goods. Smoking and non-smoking rooms
Itinerary CAI-FRA-ZRH-SIN
LH Flight: 589 CAI - FRA A340 F (A) seat 1a (bags checked to SIN)
A340 – not a suite, but nevertheless a very comfortable seat. Champagne offered when seated. Although a middle of the night flight with breakfast offered prior to FRA arrival the flight attendant asked if I’d like to have it upon take-off as I had said that I was hungry – nice touch. Omelet and breakfast meats – quite good. Moved seat into flat position and with duvet had a few hours much needed sleep.
FRA Senators Lounge FRA. Free wireless internet access, showers but very crowded and allow smoking in lounge.
LH Flight 3722 FRA - ZRH B737 C class (no F class)
C class on domestic LH not up to much (including being stuck in middle of three seats) but fortunately only 45 minutes flight.
ZRH SQ Lounge. SQ has now moved to a new terminal in centre field. The lounge had only been opened a few days and was still being fitted out (no internet access at that time – Nov 3/2003). Very modern and chic. Somewhat similar to a smaller version of the London Lounge at LHR.
SQ Flight 345 ZRH - SIN B747 F (A) seat 4a
I just love SQ. F suite is classic and service from flight attendants is excellent. No book the cook out of ZRH and I was a bit disappointed with the lunch selection. No caviar and meal choice was not inspiring. Chose a noodle dish that was quite tasty though. Read for a little then changed into the SQ sleeper suite and had the FA make up the bed. Slept soundly for around 5 hours. At breakfast decided to have the Asian seafood soup rather than the western-style breakfast – great choice. Arrived at SIN and was through immigration / baggage pick-up and customs within 20 minutes.
SQ Flight 66 SIN - BKK B747 F (A) seat 4F
SQ F check-in is outstanding at Changi. There is a separate entrance with staff to meet you at the curb. Your luggage is taken and you are escorted to a lounge area where you sit while the SQ staff takes you ticket to the check-in staff. I arrived a little early and was immediately asked if I’d like to take an earlier flight (originally booked on SQ68 at 18.30). Then escorted through fast-track immigration. Only enough time in the Silver Chris Lounge to check email and for a glass of champagne then off to flight. Only short flight (under 2 hours) offered dim sum on this afternoon flight. Again excellent service with plenty of champagne.
UA Flight 838 BKK - NRT B747 F (A) seat 5F
First class suites but otherwise I was not very impressed with this flight. Food (western breakfast) was average at best. Service was OK but nowhere near SQ/LH or NH. Small screen for personal TV.
NH Flight 10 NRT – JFK B747 F (A) Seat 4A
NH first class lounge in D concourse. Fairly small but comfortable. Staff provide service at your chair. Telephone access for internet from many of the seats.
The NH suite is probably the best of those I tried. Very spacious and comfortable. Great accessories offered – slippers, kimono type sleeper suite and cardigan. Chose the Japanese meal for lunch and was not disappointed, excellent quality and service. Large TV screen and VOD was good. Got 3-4 hours good sleep and chose to just have corn flakes and fruit for breakfast. Lots of turbulence on arrival to JFK and then we had to wait 20 minutes at gate till immigration agents showed up to start their shift.
AC 709 LGA – YYZ A320 C seat 1C
Arrived at LGA and hoped to get on 11.30 flight instead of 13.30 (booked on this because of time to transit airports). While I made it in plenty of time 11.30 delayed till 12.50 because of weather (however 13.30 was cancelled). Spent 3 hours in RC lounge. Spacious but only soft drinks (limited) and cookies (had to ask for pretzels)!
Flight left late and was quite bumpy – light meal of salad and duck – quite good.
Still have YYZ – CAI to come and am debating whether to use to start another RTW F or possibly C ex CAI next year.
Since I was in UK for a few days used points LHR-CAI (on LH via FRA) and then pick up the CAI-FRA LH flight on its return later that night. I was a bit unsure as to how to handle destination for checked baggage. In the end choose to pick up bags in CAI and recheck them for start of RTW flight.
Overall this was a great trip. The start was less than appealing though. After arriving at CAI (18.30) needed to get visitors VISA (UK passport) – paid around $15US. Picked up bags and moved to departures area only to find that the check-in booths did not open until midnight. Ended up sitting in departures area for over 5 hours with absolutely nothing to do. No shops, tiny coffee shop in basement that was not appealing. When we were finally allowed through security into the check-in area, even though LH staff were there no one got checked in until airport staff arrived. Not an auspicious start but considering the coast savings still worth it.
Only one lounge at CAI shared by all airlines. Soft drinks and sweet and savory baked goods. Smoking and non-smoking rooms
Itinerary CAI-FRA-ZRH-SIN
LH Flight: 589 CAI - FRA A340 F (A) seat 1a (bags checked to SIN)
A340 – not a suite, but nevertheless a very comfortable seat. Champagne offered when seated. Although a middle of the night flight with breakfast offered prior to FRA arrival the flight attendant asked if I’d like to have it upon take-off as I had said that I was hungry – nice touch. Omelet and breakfast meats – quite good. Moved seat into flat position and with duvet had a few hours much needed sleep.
FRA Senators Lounge FRA. Free wireless internet access, showers but very crowded and allow smoking in lounge.
LH Flight 3722 FRA - ZRH B737 C class (no F class)
C class on domestic LH not up to much (including being stuck in middle of three seats) but fortunately only 45 minutes flight.
ZRH SQ Lounge. SQ has now moved to a new terminal in centre field. The lounge had only been opened a few days and was still being fitted out (no internet access at that time – Nov 3/2003). Very modern and chic. Somewhat similar to a smaller version of the London Lounge at LHR.
SQ Flight 345 ZRH - SIN B747 F (A) seat 4a
I just love SQ. F suite is classic and service from flight attendants is excellent. No book the cook out of ZRH and I was a bit disappointed with the lunch selection. No caviar and meal choice was not inspiring. Chose a noodle dish that was quite tasty though. Read for a little then changed into the SQ sleeper suite and had the FA make up the bed. Slept soundly for around 5 hours. At breakfast decided to have the Asian seafood soup rather than the western-style breakfast – great choice. Arrived at SIN and was through immigration / baggage pick-up and customs within 20 minutes.
SQ Flight 66 SIN - BKK B747 F (A) seat 4F
SQ F check-in is outstanding at Changi. There is a separate entrance with staff to meet you at the curb. Your luggage is taken and you are escorted to a lounge area where you sit while the SQ staff takes you ticket to the check-in staff. I arrived a little early and was immediately asked if I’d like to take an earlier flight (originally booked on SQ68 at 18.30). Then escorted through fast-track immigration. Only enough time in the Silver Chris Lounge to check email and for a glass of champagne then off to flight. Only short flight (under 2 hours) offered dim sum on this afternoon flight. Again excellent service with plenty of champagne.
UA Flight 838 BKK - NRT B747 F (A) seat 5F
First class suites but otherwise I was not very impressed with this flight. Food (western breakfast) was average at best. Service was OK but nowhere near SQ/LH or NH. Small screen for personal TV.
NH Flight 10 NRT – JFK B747 F (A) Seat 4A
NH first class lounge in D concourse. Fairly small but comfortable. Staff provide service at your chair. Telephone access for internet from many of the seats.
The NH suite is probably the best of those I tried. Very spacious and comfortable. Great accessories offered – slippers, kimono type sleeper suite and cardigan. Chose the Japanese meal for lunch and was not disappointed, excellent quality and service. Large TV screen and VOD was good. Got 3-4 hours good sleep and chose to just have corn flakes and fruit for breakfast. Lots of turbulence on arrival to JFK and then we had to wait 20 minutes at gate till immigration agents showed up to start their shift.
AC 709 LGA – YYZ A320 C seat 1C
Arrived at LGA and hoped to get on 11.30 flight instead of 13.30 (booked on this because of time to transit airports). While I made it in plenty of time 11.30 delayed till 12.50 because of weather (however 13.30 was cancelled). Spent 3 hours in RC lounge. Spacious but only soft drinks (limited) and cookies (had to ask for pretzels)!
Flight left late and was quite bumpy – light meal of salad and duck – quite good.
Still have YYZ – CAI to come and am debating whether to use to start another RTW F or possibly C ex CAI next year.