So, I've now completed to ORD-SIN mileage runs in one month and, after flying to New York, I will once again return to the ranks of the 1Ks (having been one in 1999). So here's my trip report. Soon, you'll also be able to read Highflyah's report. We went together.

Got to ORD around 9:00 a.m. on Friday. Checked in at the Int'l business desk in front of terminal B. The very snippy woman told me that I could not upgrade my H fare ticket -- even using 25,000 miles. I told her that this was the first time anyone had mentioned this "fact" to me, even though I had been calling daily to check on the status of my upgrade. All in all, she was very obnoxious so rather than having her do much more for me than check me in, I walked away. I went to the C concourse RCC and was told that I was still on the upgrade list and that it looked pretty good. The RCC staff was very helpful.

Next, I went to gate C16 and called Highflyah who was connecting from Boston. I got him on his cell phone moments after he arrived in Chicago. He was on his way to the gate. We met at the gate. We then went back to the RCC to check on our upgrade status. They told us that we were on the list and that it was now up to the gate agents to upgrade us or not.

We went to the gate just as the gate agents arrived. We explained to a very nice gate agent that we were doing a mileage run. She thought we were crazy! She took both of our names and told us that we would probably be upgraded. After 30 minutes, they called our names. We were psyched. We rushed up. She had our upgrades for the ORD-HKG flight -- a truly looooong flight. (more on that in a minute). I convinced her to take my (expired) International 1 segment upgrade certificate instead of taking 25,000 miles. She did so. (Unfortunately, my account shows that the 25,000 miles was deducted. I'll have to call MP for them to fix that). Highflyah also got his upgrade.

We got on the flight. A very long flight. We flew almost the perfect great circle route. I estimate that we flew within 300-400 miles of the north pole. We started flying directly north past Milwaukee, Green Bay, over Lake Superior and then into Canada. Oh, Canada, we were over Canada forever. We went so far north that, even though it was the middle of the day, it got dark. We went up near the Pole. We made landfall somewhere over Siberia (never thought I'd go there in my life). We flew south over Russia, a little bit of Mongolia and then China. The food on the flight was pretty good. The FAs who we talked to were very friendly. They couldn't believe what we were doing. We asked if they'd show us the crew rest area but they said there were people resting in there. We met a couple of very nice FAs -- one is around #500 in seniority, the other is around #1400. They gave us a bottle of champagne to keep. Unfortunately, Highflyah has it, not me. We finally landed in Hong Kong around 5:50 p.m. -- a few minutes late.

We took the fast train into downtown Hong Kong so I could say I've been there. We walked out to the street, took a few pictures, got some takeout sushi for the next flight and got back on the train to the airport. Total time in downtown Hong Kong: 14 minutes.

Back at the airport, we were running a little late. We got to the gate and asked about possible upgrades. They told us to get our new tickets from the boarding agent. We walked over there and were given business class seats. No complaints. (Until I realized later that that upgrade for a 3 1/2 hour flight may have cost me 25,000 miles. As I say, I will get that rectified). The flight was good. Good food and our sushi was good. Slept a little.

Got in to Singapore. Took a cab (who drove slower than my grandfather and he's dead!!) into the city. Showed Highflyah Boat Quay. Walked over to a big 24 hour food emporium. Got duck satay and some other tasty food. Walked around downtown and up Orchard Road. Very steamy evening -- about 80F and 100% humidity. Took a cab back to the airport. Walked around and took a shower. Felt much better. Walked over to the SIA gates. Not much to see. It was dark out. Man, is that a nice airport. Went to the internet cafe. Did our live chat. Checked in for the flight to Tokyo (NRT). Both of us just barely missed getting upgraded. Oh well.

Flight to NRT was fine. Got into NRT. Took a shower at the oh-so-nice RCC. Why can't the ones in ORD be that nice? Boarded the 777 (all previous flights were 747-400 OBs -- or OPs, whichever one is the nicer). Sat in 9G -- an aisle. Guy next to me drank way too much and got a little annoying. I fell asleep watching The Perfect Storm -- I had seen it before. Very quick flight to SEA -- 150 knot tail winds. SEA was fogged in so they diverted us to Portland. I've never been to Oregon so I guess I can cross it off my list (unless you don't count stopping at an airport and staying on the plane as counting -- which I don't really count either). Flew back to SEA after refueling. Missed my connection and my first class seat. Got on the next flight but in Economy Plus. Slept half the flight. Got in to ORD. Went home, watched the Simpsons, CNN. Went to sleep and dreamed of my forthcoming systemwides. I'll post more details in future messages.

Please let me know if you have specific questions.