RT to Seoul, Korea.. Need Help!!
Jan 16, 2001 | 6:08 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: BOS
Posts: 254
RT to Seoul, Korea.. Need Help!!
I have to fly to Seoul, Korea around 20th of May for about 10 days..
* Need suggestions for the best mileage earning runs..(or Preferred Status runs)
* Need other trip suggestions including things to do and hotels etc. (Or any website where I could find similar info)
I am a Silver with US.. Can I use my SWU's in some way.. I would appreciate any suggestions
Thanks in advance!
* Need suggestions for the best mileage earning runs..(or Preferred Status runs)
* Need other trip suggestions including things to do and hotels etc. (Or any website where I could find similar info)
I am a Silver with US.. Can I use my SWU's in some way.. I would appreciate any suggestions
Thanks in advance!
Jan 16, 2001 | 9:28 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Westchester, NY AA P/3MM, DL SM/MM, STW PLT
Posts: 5,490
Traffic in the city can be a real bear, so you may want to target your hotel depending on where you will be working/meeting. The Ritz Carlton is also very nice, and wasn't overly expensive (US$225 in Club) in November.
Jan 16, 2001 | 1:36 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 1999
Location: arlington, va
Programs: AA Gold, UA Silver, Marriott Plat
Posts: 660
Why not contact United and ask them to match your USAirways status? United calls this program "Go for the Gold" and any of the agents at Mileage Plus in Tucson can help you- check UA's website for the phone and fax #s. That would make you a Premier, which at least will net you a 25% bonus on your Seoul trip. Depending on your airfare to Seoul, you can upgrade using UA miles for 26,000 (Y or B class)or 50,000 r/t on restricted fares. You'll get about 16-17,000 base miles for this trip so you'll be well on your way to requalifying for next year. There are 2 US carriers to SEL- UA and NW (take UA if at all possible!)- also, AA has a code-share using Asiana aircraft (avoid!).
Jan 16, 2001 | 2:40 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Westchester, NY AA P/3MM, DL SM/MM, STW PLT
Posts: 5,490
m_k,
USAir doesn't offer service to SEL. If you are trying to earn US miles, then your only real option is to fly NW through Tokyo, as you can receive US miles on the NW flights to Asia. You could also fly US from ILM (assuming this is your starting/stopping point) to meet NW on the west coast. If you are trying to use SWUs, my only suggestion would be to use them for ILM to LAX or SFO and back, but they won't do you much good on NW the overseas flights.
If you are more flexible on carriers, then you may want want to target earning miles (as greg points out) on a different carrier. UAL has non-stop service SFO to SEL, or you could fly DAL, CO or AA (with connections in NRT). You could also fly Asiana (or the AA code shares, although they are typically more expensive) non-stop from the west coast, or Korean non-stop from ORD, IAD etc.
I have flown the Asiana/AA flights twice in the last 6 months in C; it wasn't very good relative to other international C product (seats have comparatively limited pitch and recline, entertainment options are weak, and service is nice but infrequent). Also, I would not fly Korean under any circumstance (given their safety record and their nature of their pilot training).
USAir doesn't offer service to SEL. If you are trying to earn US miles, then your only real option is to fly NW through Tokyo, as you can receive US miles on the NW flights to Asia. You could also fly US from ILM (assuming this is your starting/stopping point) to meet NW on the west coast. If you are trying to use SWUs, my only suggestion would be to use them for ILM to LAX or SFO and back, but they won't do you much good on NW the overseas flights.
If you are more flexible on carriers, then you may want want to target earning miles (as greg points out) on a different carrier. UAL has non-stop service SFO to SEL, or you could fly DAL, CO or AA (with connections in NRT). You could also fly Asiana (or the AA code shares, although they are typically more expensive) non-stop from the west coast, or Korean non-stop from ORD, IAD etc.
I have flown the Asiana/AA flights twice in the last 6 months in C; it wasn't very good relative to other international C product (seats have comparatively limited pitch and recline, entertainment options are weak, and service is nice but infrequent). Also, I would not fly Korean under any circumstance (given their safety record and their nature of their pilot training).
Jan 16, 2001 | 10:46 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Hong Kong & Santa Fe, NM AA EXP; HY DIAM
Posts: 188
Book your hotel ASAP, Seoul can be extremely tight/sold out during many times of the year. IMHO, the Grand Hyatt is the best place to stay. I find Seoul to be one of the most difficult international cities to navigate as an English speaker (and as another poster correctly observed, the traffic is unbelievable!!). That being said, lots of good restaurants-- of course, the Korean food is the best bet, but all sorts of int'l cuisine is available. Unlike the U.S., the restaurants in any of Seoul's five-star hotels are outstanding and heavily patronized by affluent locals (long explanation as to why that is, it relates to a semi-bizarre Korean law that used to be on the books).
The DMZ trip is outstanding and eye-opening. Also, there are several local open-air markets worth checking out.
The DMZ trip is outstanding and eye-opening. Also, there are several local open-air markets worth checking out.
Jan 17, 2001 | 6:04 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Westchester, NY AA P/3MM, DL SM/MM, STW PLT
Posts: 5,490
m_k,
The Hyatt is very nice, and has terrific views when the air is clear. But traffic between the Hyatt and the World Trade Center is very heavy on almost a continuous basis.
When you do brave the traffic, however, look for the black cabs (outside of major hotels). While they are more expensive than the other cab classes, the drivers are more likely (and more willing) to speak English. Also, they are installing direct (and free) radio connections to translators, which can be very helpful if you and a driver have problems understanding each other.
The Hyatt is very nice, and has terrific views when the air is clear. But traffic between the Hyatt and the World Trade Center is very heavy on almost a continuous basis.
When you do brave the traffic, however, look for the black cabs (outside of major hotels). While they are more expensive than the other cab classes, the drivers are more likely (and more willing) to speak English. Also, they are installing direct (and free) radio connections to translators, which can be very helpful if you and a driver have problems understanding each other.