DangerM55

Anyone got suggestions on where to go/what to do for some sun in a resort somewhere in the short time I'll have available during my trip? I arrive in the evening April 12th and leave the morning of the 20th.. I had thought of thailand (fly to bangkok and transfer down to Hua Hin) but there isn't a huge amount of time and the other half doesn't enjoy all the flying like I do so likely wouldn't entertain further flights with transfers etc. Want to have 2 full days in Hong Kong too as shes not been before (I have so I'm not as fussed).

kjbrant

We are thinking about a side trip to Danang, Vietnam. Nice Hyatt property there on the beach. Short hop to get there.

plunet

There are some resorts on some of the more rural parts of HK that could be worth a look. Even Lantau island where the airport is has some secluded spots and beaches... And keeping flying distance down, it seems the visa requirements for Hainan have been relaxed earlier this year. Closer to HK and might be worth a look.

From Wikipedia:

Mike Gold

Here is my reveiw of the outbound LHR-MNL-HKG.

LHR ground experience
Got to the airport at 2030 there were no queues at check-in which is located at zone E opposite the AA desks (in T3). Security was empty and went to the NO.1 Lounge which was Ok (the airline gives you access to the Aspire lounge, but I didn’t go there). Got to the gate (gate 40) just as they started with economy passengers, went down the (dedicated business) jet bridge to see that the door (2L) was closed! Had to go back and go through the Y jet bridge which was no problem. (looks like once they finish boarding J they close the front door!)

1st flight [A350]

Seat/IFE
Chose seat 5K which [the seat] is next to the window, nice size seat very firm plenty of space and leg room, luggage space only in the overhead compartments, which are on either side of the plane (empty in the middle) which makes the plane look a lot more spacious. Top IFE, screen was very responsive just like an iPad and easy to reach, 180+ movies with latest films and tons of TV shows, the screen does not tilt (like BA CW). One of the best IFE system I've seen (Might not have a huge selection like ICE but very quick and easy to use). Noise cancelling headphones are provided which were top quality. Side note when you click play to watch a movie it starts instantly no advertisements or whatever. Dinning table was big but note huge, can move forward or backwards. Some small storage space on the side to put a laptop/book and a socket with a usb. On the side of the screen you have a hook to hang a jacket/suit. The bed was ok very firm, not the best sleep on a plane but was fine managed to get 5 hours of sleep. (Just realised [before landing] an option to adjust the firmness of the seat see image.) Armrest can be lowered for sleep but must be done manually. Duvet and pillow were good but nowhere near the quality of BA’s CW!

Food
Unfortunately, I can’t comment on the food as I ordered special meal [KSML] but I’ll add some photos of the menu below which should give some idea, and the quality (of the food and crockery) did look good.

KSML
One of the best KSML I’ve had on any business flight, the meals were from Hermolis with 2 full trays for each meal, good food and ample, for dessert there were 3 etc. One minor point it was all served on paperware/plastic unlike BA where it is served on crockery and metal cutlery.

Drinks
The hard drinks options was very limited.
Soft drinks they had plenty of options with special herb tea and strawberry mint which was very good.

Service
We had 5 staff for business (which was 100% full-30 pax).
The crew were very friendly all with a smile and very proactive!
Pre-take-off drinks were offered immediately after boarding.
Meals were served roughly 30 min after take-off.
Very quick service had my meal within 1 hour after take-off.
They offer dine on demand for both meals.
Drinks were refilled nonstop.
Bottles of water handed out throughout the flight.
Kitchen bar nothing to write about.

Final meal was served 90 min before landing.

A few notes;
· No announcements in business class during the flight although some announcements in economy. [Excluding the pilots welcome and final announcement.]
· Hand towels/tissues in the toilet are not the best quality, they will stick to your fingers!
· The window shades are not automatic compared to other A350 planes, but they are big.
· Wi-fi worked amazing for WhatsApp, Email and some news applications although not for flyertalk! [Wi-fi was free.]

Stopover in Manila
Walked into the lounge had a shower and walked back out, was very packed, wouldn’t spend too much time there! They have 1 shower in the lounge but at least they have good quality shower gel and yes, they do have ‘conditioner’ (unlike some other airlines…….)

2nd flight [A321]

Business class was empty, the seats were configured 2-2 like Americans A320’s. Was served Stogel [KSML] long life meal which was…...!

The cabin crew again were very friendly and professional.

Landed into HKG, as always was out of the airport roughly 10 min after disembarking from the plane!

(I'll add some photos soon.)

Mabuhay!

Enjoy your trips!

Croupier

maclover

Don't think so and on such a fare I think it wouldn't be the case anyway

Funky Spike

Considering there were same day connections to HKG readily available too I think you'd be taking the piss, I took a concious decision to book an overnight in MNL both ways because I've never been before and I'm not expecting them to pay for my hotel.

Spike

Mike Gold

Menu


Menu


Wine's


Wine's


Drinks


Drinks


Jacket/suit hook


Control's


Control's


Seat control's


IFE screen


1st flight starter/salad [KSML]


1st flight main course/dessert [KSML]


1st flight Kosher wine


2nd flight Stogel meal [KSML]


2nd flight Stogel meal [KSML]

travellingdoc1121

So I got the email ny pal and lastmimute that the flights for both outbound and inbound were canclled due to a schedule change a wednedday to thursday in march. I okayed the change by email but lsstminute id dragging their feet im changing it despite me calling three times. My husband's flight was already confirmed to the new time. Any tips on how yo get them to honor this?

plunet

Although normal practice would usually be to deal with the agent, PAL seem to be very happy to deal directly with the customer when it's their fault you need to discuss a reservation change. Call PAL. 0808 164 9888 from the UK. Also as per the Wiki at the top of the thread.

mlqsko

How exactly are PAL going to fix this when it's an OTA booking?

travellingdoc1121

My problem literally got resolved today. I received an email from lastminute that they confirmed my and my son's new flight time/days. I was going to call them again and also PAL. A huge headache avoided. Thanks for all the help. Will probably use avio from the avianca promo to position to LHR and on to Seoul to visit family. Happy travel!

plunet

​​​​​​
They were happy enough to do it for me, and others if you read upthread.

I agree: normal protocol dictates that you have to go via the ticketing agent for changes before you fly, but ultimately that is an airline policy and they can choose to do what they want to assist their customers. PR call centres seem to be empowered to resolve these queries where the issue stems from an airline instigated change.

mlqsko

Well, this is very, very unusual. But if it works, then all good.

sluneckov

is this economy class meal ? I´m confused