Four Seasons Jet Journey...Any Takers?
#122
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Bonvoy :Ambassador , ALL :Diamond, Skywards :Silver, Krisflyer :Silver
Posts: 2,808
Sort of touring Four Seasons properties around the world and travelling there with a small ish plane ?
#123
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Kirkland, WA, USA
Programs: Marriott Gold; LEGO VIP, Amex Platinum, HHonors Gold
Posts: 563
#124
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 17,854
In today's Wall St Journal there is a full page ad for a WSJ/Nat Geo private jet holiday, it sounds similar. Itinerary is Seatlle, Hakone, Seoul, Shenzen/HK, Ulanbataar/Gobi, Samarqand, Talinn, Helsinki/Lapland, Rekjavik, Boston. It's 23 nights and starts at $94,725.
The serene picture of Hakone at the top of the ad could well have been taken from one of the fake tourist pirate ships that regularly ply that lake, LOL.
The serene picture of Hakone at the top of the ad could well have been taken from one of the fake tourist pirate ships that regularly ply that lake, LOL.
#125
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I am just thinking of the amazing travel I could have for a month for $94,725, without schlepping around on a glorified flying tour bus. At the Four Seasons price, the possibilities would be even more amazing.
I just do not see the appeal or the rush to see all of these places at once. Again, they’re basically targeted towards affluent people without much travel experience. Even in that case though, a first class RTW ticket, coupled perhaps with some legs on chartered private aircraft if desired, could still be a much better trip and better value.
I just do not see the appeal or the rush to see all of these places at once. Again, they’re basically targeted towards affluent people without much travel experience. Even in that case though, a first class RTW ticket, coupled perhaps with some legs on chartered private aircraft if desired, could still be a much better trip and better value.
#126
In today's Wall St Journal there is a full page ad for a WSJ/Nat Geo private jet holiday, it sounds similar. Itinerary is Seatlle, Hakone, Seoul, Shenzen/HK, Ulanbataar/Gobi, Samarqand, Talinn, Helsinki/Lapland, Rekjavik, Boston. It's 23 nights and starts at $94,725.
The serene picture of Hakone at the top of the ad could well have been taken from one of the fake tourist pirate ships that regularly ply that lake, LOL.
The serene picture of Hakone at the top of the ad could well have been taken from one of the fake tourist pirate ships that regularly ply that lake, LOL.
#127
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: UK
Posts: 1,644
Don't shudder or even think about it. If you only travel the world in luxury, you won't see much of the world. That Nat Geo trip puts the boring FS trip into sharp perspective, I think, but I could propose far better routes myself.
#130
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: UA 1MM, Avis Chairman, Four Seasons Elite, HA Pualani Gold
Posts: 448
Perhaps I can clarify a few points related to this product.
You could certainly put together the same itinerary on your own but you would be spending a massive amount of time in airports and truly schlepping your way around the world even in J all the way. We had VIP transit through every airport and spent minutes in each airport. On the FS journeys you literally do not touch your luggage from the moment you show up at the starting airport.
3 days seemed about right for each destination. There is usually just an overnight in the first and last city.
The cost covers a vast choice of private and group tours in each destination, all meals, including restaurants off property, resort credits enough for spa treatments and other activities, a gala event at each destination.
All flights were westward and during the day. The flights are actually fun if you enjoy meeting new people so I can see the benefit of the new bar area and extra seating on the new plane. The service and food were outstanding in every way. There were still people who slept en route and I never heard complaints about lack of privacy. There were only 4 singles on our trip.
And regarding the type of people on my trip. They were certainly not people who did not know what they were doing. Many were professionals who owned successful businesses and travelled extensively. Many flew private to and from the journey. Some had their own business jets. The common sentiment among most was that it was great to take a highly stimulating, fun trip where all we had to do was just show up. I met some very interesting and truly nice people and many of us have kept in touch since. I’m planning another trip with FS on the new plane and can’t wait.
You could certainly put together the same itinerary on your own but you would be spending a massive amount of time in airports and truly schlepping your way around the world even in J all the way. We had VIP transit through every airport and spent minutes in each airport. On the FS journeys you literally do not touch your luggage from the moment you show up at the starting airport.
3 days seemed about right for each destination. There is usually just an overnight in the first and last city.
The cost covers a vast choice of private and group tours in each destination, all meals, including restaurants off property, resort credits enough for spa treatments and other activities, a gala event at each destination.
All flights were westward and during the day. The flights are actually fun if you enjoy meeting new people so I can see the benefit of the new bar area and extra seating on the new plane. The service and food were outstanding in every way. There were still people who slept en route and I never heard complaints about lack of privacy. There were only 4 singles on our trip.
And regarding the type of people on my trip. They were certainly not people who did not know what they were doing. Many were professionals who owned successful businesses and travelled extensively. Many flew private to and from the journey. Some had their own business jets. The common sentiment among most was that it was great to take a highly stimulating, fun trip where all we had to do was just show up. I met some very interesting and truly nice people and many of us have kept in touch since. I’m planning another trip with FS on the new plane and can’t wait.
#132
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 17,999
Perhaps I can clarify a few points related to this product.
You could certainly put together the same itinerary on your own but you would be spending a massive amount of time in airports and truly schlepping your way around the world even in J all the way. We had VIP transit through every airport and spent minutes in each airport. On the FS journeys you literally do not touch your luggage from the moment you show up at the starting airport.
3 days seemed about right for each destination. There is usually just an overnight in the first and last city.
You could certainly put together the same itinerary on your own but you would be spending a massive amount of time in airports and truly schlepping your way around the world even in J all the way. We had VIP transit through every airport and spent minutes in each airport. On the FS journeys you literally do not touch your luggage from the moment you show up at the starting airport.
3 days seemed about right for each destination. There is usually just an overnight in the first and last city.
#133
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: UA 1MM, Avis Chairman, Four Seasons Elite, HA Pualani Gold
Posts: 448
Frictionless for sure and the logistics were flawless. Re-entry into the real world was the only downside after being cocooned in luxury for 31/2 weeks!
#134
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
Perhaps I can clarify a few points related to this product.
You could certainly put together the same itinerary on your own but you would be spending a massive amount of time in airports and truly schlepping your way around the world even in J all the way. We had VIP transit through every airport and spent minutes in each airport. On the FS journeys you literally do not touch your luggage from the moment you show up at the starting airport.
You could certainly put together the same itinerary on your own but you would be spending a massive amount of time in airports and truly schlepping your way around the world even in J all the way. We had VIP transit through every airport and spent minutes in each airport. On the FS journeys you literally do not touch your luggage from the moment you show up at the starting airport.
Honestly, I have a hard time imagining why an experienced traveler would burn money on a glorified bus tour. But I guess different strokes for different folks.
#135
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: UA 1MM, Avis Chairman, Four Seasons Elite, HA Pualani Gold
Posts: 448
Right. Sounds like you would hate it. But I do not think it is possible to duplicate the total experience by piecing together commercial flights and planning everything to the nth degree. I meant to say F by the way. There is also no waiting for busses. All ground transportation is either cars or minivans for a max of 6 people. Quite often there were only 2 per vehicle. Ans no one missed capsules or F cocoons as seats were quite comfortable.