I am trying to get award tickets for next Feb (2026) from Christchurch to EWR. All days around my date are on a wait list. What are the chances for seats to be released? I am somewhat reluctant to park the miles with them...but they seem the best redemption. Any thoughts? Thanks.
↧
Wait list Christchurch - EWR
↧
Question about young adults and teens checking in to hotels in Japan
Three of my kids, ages 23, 18, and 16, plan to travel to Japan for 2 weeks this summer.
I have read that the 16 year old will not have a problem entering Japan as long as he has a signed letter from both parents giving permission for him to travel.
But I am not sure whether hotels will have an issue checking in these three young people together. The eldest one has a credit card in her name to check in with. My kids are tame, they do not drink, do drugs, or stay up late making noise.
If I were a hotel manager I would probably not want teens checking in to my hotel without their parents, since the potential for problems is too high.
Should they expect any issues? We are looking at book hotels through Expedia, prepaid if possible to avoid any hassles.
I have read that the 16 year old will not have a problem entering Japan as long as he has a signed letter from both parents giving permission for him to travel.
But I am not sure whether hotels will have an issue checking in these three young people together. The eldest one has a credit card in her name to check in with. My kids are tame, they do not drink, do drugs, or stay up late making noise.
If I were a hotel manager I would probably not want teens checking in to my hotel without their parents, since the potential for problems is too high.
Should they expect any issues? We are looking at book hotels through Expedia, prepaid if possible to avoid any hassles.
↧
↧
Hokkaido if no snow?
We've booked the last week of March / first week of April for skiing in Furano. Furano advertised staying open until 5/6 (!) but temperatures have been rising and it's even been raining.
Our hotel is cancelable up to 2 days before checking in, so my question to the experts is what are some potential backup plans if skiing falls through? It'll be the beginning of April but I assume still very cold throughout Hokkaido. We'll already be in Sapporo for 2 nights before heading to Furano. Maybe extend Sapporo? We'll have a car, so drive up to Wakkanai? To Hakodate? We've just been to Otaru so probably not interested in going again so soon.
Thanks for your help in contingency planning.
Our hotel is cancelable up to 2 days before checking in, so my question to the experts is what are some potential backup plans if skiing falls through? It'll be the beginning of April but I assume still very cold throughout Hokkaido. We'll already be in Sapporo for 2 nights before heading to Furano. Maybe extend Sapporo? We'll have a car, so drive up to Wakkanai? To Hakodate? We've just been to Otaru so probably not interested in going again so soon.
Thanks for your help in contingency planning.
↧
Cancellation policy on award tickets
(Yes I searched, but answers are very conflicting and not sure theyre up to date)
Pretty simple: for SK only award tickets (booked using pay with miles so 50k JFK to CPH in J) can they be cancelled online within 24 hours and redeposited for no charge? My understanding is after that its $75 (or 75 ?) to redeposit
Pretty simple: for SK only award tickets (booked using pay with miles so 50k JFK to CPH in J) can they be cancelled online within 24 hours and redeposited for no charge? My understanding is after that its $75 (or 75 ?) to redeposit
↧
J washrooms
.....Deleted as pointless with AC
↧
↧
Award Bookings: What's the Cash amount?
I don't have any points in my account, so I can't get past the screen that shows the number of required points.
It appears not to show the cash portion of the award ticket anywhere. I imagine if I had the points I might be able to see this.
Is there any way to find this out on the website?
If its not trivial to find out, can folks post their award cash costs so we can have some datapoints? I'm keen to use my points intra-Asia but it often seems like the taxes on the award tickets are more expensive than just buying a LCC (not even considering the points)!
From a previous poster, he paid $220 BKK-SFO.
I asked Grok and it made me this table but i have no idea if its correct
Route Type
Example Route
Taxes & Fees (One-Way)
Economy vs. Business Difference
EVA Intra-Asia
TPE-BKK
USD 5075
Same
EVA Transpacific
LAX-TPE
USD 100150
Same
Partner Transpacific (EVA flight)
LAX-TPE (Aeroplan)
USD 4060
Same
Partner Transpacific (Partner flight)
ORD-NRT (ANA)
USD 100150 (half of round-trip)
It appears not to show the cash portion of the award ticket anywhere. I imagine if I had the points I might be able to see this.
Is there any way to find this out on the website?
If its not trivial to find out, can folks post their award cash costs so we can have some datapoints? I'm keen to use my points intra-Asia but it often seems like the taxes on the award tickets are more expensive than just buying a LCC (not even considering the points)!
From a previous poster, he paid $220 BKK-SFO.
I asked Grok and it made me this table but i have no idea if its correct
Route Type
Example Route
Taxes & Fees (One-Way)
Economy vs. Business Difference
EVA Intra-Asia
TPE-BKK
USD 5075
Same
EVA Transpacific
LAX-TPE
USD 100150
Same
Partner Transpacific (EVA flight)
LAX-TPE (Aeroplan)
USD 4060
Same
Partner Transpacific (Partner flight)
ORD-NRT (ANA)
USD 100150 (half of round-trip)
↧
Help Understanding Sold Out
I am renting from Avis SJC airport
Checking some dates as a placeholder, for example March 25-27 shows as sold out and not bookable, but March 24-27 is not sold out and bookable.
How does this make sense? Is there a workaround? Can I book March 24-27 then call in and cut off the first day?
Checking some dates as a placeholder, for example March 25-27 shows as sold out and not bookable, but March 24-27 is not sold out and bookable.
How does this make sense? Is there a workaround? Can I book March 24-27 then call in and cut off the first day?
↧
Lost Connecting Flight After Volunteering and Not Needed
I would hope that this isn't standard AA practice. I was flying PHL-DFW-SAT this afternoon. I received the volunteers needed text for the PHL-DFW leg, so I volunteered and then later received a text to go to the gate. They put me on the volunteer list and protected me on the next PHL-DFW-SAT flights. It turns out that my seat wasn't needed, so I boarded my original flight.
While in the air, I noticed that the protected flights were still showing in my app. This was the same status through the whole flight. A little bit after landing at DFW, I noticed that now only my original PHL-DFW flight was showing in the app and it was telling me which baggage claim that my luggage would be at. Say what?
I went to the SAT gate and, as the app correctly showed, I was no longer on the DFW-SAT flight!!! Luckily there were still seats and I got my original seat back. Is this common practice in this situation or is there something that I could have or should have done differently? Had I not checked at the gate, I would not have been able to board.
I am Platinum on Delta, but because of their status earning change last year, I was thinking of moving to AA. I am really rethinking that, as almost every time that I fly AA, there is some kind of issue. Even this morning, I received a text at 4am telling me that my PHL-CLT 12pm flight was delayed and that I was rebooked on the above flights and getting in over 2 hours later.
Does it ever get better?
While in the air, I noticed that the protected flights were still showing in my app. This was the same status through the whole flight. A little bit after landing at DFW, I noticed that now only my original PHL-DFW flight was showing in the app and it was telling me which baggage claim that my luggage would be at. Say what?
I went to the SAT gate and, as the app correctly showed, I was no longer on the DFW-SAT flight!!! Luckily there were still seats and I got my original seat back. Is this common practice in this situation or is there something that I could have or should have done differently? Had I not checked at the gate, I would not have been able to board.
I am Platinum on Delta, but because of their status earning change last year, I was thinking of moving to AA. I am really rethinking that, as almost every time that I fly AA, there is some kind of issue. Even this morning, I received a text at 4am telling me that my PHL-CLT 12pm flight was delayed and that I was rebooked on the above flights and getting in over 2 hours later.
Does it ever get better?
↧
LAX bag storage conundrum
In August we are planning on arriving LAX on AA from SFO around noon. We have a separate ticket (Finnair Avios award) on Finnair flying LAX-HEL that same evening. We were planning on whiling away the time in the Qantas First lounge as my wife has EXP status. Unfortunately, the Finnair counter doesn't open until 3 pm and we will be checking at least 2 bags. AA won't through check the bags, and I don't think we can get through security with them (can we?). As I see it we have the following options, none of which are especially appealing:
1) Leave the bags on the carousel and go to the lounge directly from T4 as we'll already be airside. Have a nice lunch and get them later closer to 3 pm. Seems risky as AA might put them somewhere and we won't be able to access them or they could even get stolen. Or maybe not?
2) Pay a luggage storage service that will pick up the bags at T4 and later deliver them to TBIT. This will cost at least $25/bag.
3) Take a hotel shuttle and have the bell desk store the bags for a few hours in exchange for a nice tip. Seems too time consuming having to shuttle back and forth twice.
4) Uber to a luggage locker facility (there are several close to LAX). With Uber costs this will be more expensive than option 2 and as time consuming as option 3.
5) Find somewhere in TBIT to hang out landside until 3 pm.
Anyone have any other ideas? We've never been to the QF First lounge and really would enjoy having lunch there :). Having a late lunch after 3 pm isn't as appealing as we'll be getting dinner on the AY flight (flying in J).
1) Leave the bags on the carousel and go to the lounge directly from T4 as we'll already be airside. Have a nice lunch and get them later closer to 3 pm. Seems risky as AA might put them somewhere and we won't be able to access them or they could even get stolen. Or maybe not?
2) Pay a luggage storage service that will pick up the bags at T4 and later deliver them to TBIT. This will cost at least $25/bag.
3) Take a hotel shuttle and have the bell desk store the bags for a few hours in exchange for a nice tip. Seems too time consuming having to shuttle back and forth twice.
4) Uber to a luggage locker facility (there are several close to LAX). With Uber costs this will be more expensive than option 2 and as time consuming as option 3.
5) Find somewhere in TBIT to hang out landside until 3 pm.
Anyone have any other ideas? We've never been to the QF First lounge and really would enjoy having lunch there :). Having a late lunch after 3 pm isn't as appealing as we'll be getting dinner on the AY flight (flying in J).
↧
↧
Same day standby on Haneda to Gimpo
Id like to ticket the only HND-GMP on Aeroplan/LifeMiles but it leaves late in the day. Would same day standby work on earlier times that day?
↧
Hiroshima: Seto Inland Sea
During my visit to Hiroshima, I took the Setouchi Shimatabi Line cruise operated by Setouchi Sealine. This Seto Inland Sea cruise does not return to the same location. When I took this cruise, the morning cruise was eastbound, departing Hiroshima and ending at Mihara. The afternoon cruise was westbound in the reverse direction. It looks like currently, this cruise is operating between Hiroshima and Onomichi.
The cruise is operated by Sea Spica ship.
![]()
The first floor is an indoor seating area, seats were assigned seats.
![]()
The upstairs is an outside deck. Half of the time I spent outside deck.
![]()
![]()
The ship also has a small shop at the back where drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are available. All drinks and snacks were small size, but the price was same as regular size at conbini in the city. Could be better off to bring own.
![]()
The departure at Hiroshima is at Hiroshima Port, which can be reached by Hiroshima tram, and Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima. Departure time from Hiroshima coincide with morning rush hours. During weekdays it may take little longer to get to the departure point of this cruise.
Cruising through the Seto Inland Sea.
![]()
![]()
![]()
First stop, port city of Kure. Kure was a naval port before WWII and the battleship Yamato was built here. Shipbuilding continues today and also it is a major port for Japanese coast guard and self-defense force. The attendant on the ship will provide information during the cruise. I think guide is available only in Japanese.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
About this cruise ship Sea Spica. During G7 Hiroshima Summit in 2023, leaders visited Miyajima and from Hiroshima to Miyajima leaders took this Sea Spica, except for Biden from the U.S. Biden too Marine One. There is pictures onboard the ship. I sat on the chair where Macron and Kishida sat. :)
![]()
![]()
First stop, Sanose at Shimokamagari Island. Had about an hour to stroll around the area. This island is known as where Korean diplomats stayed from Muromachi era to Edo era.
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
During the cruise there is an option for lunch, need to arrange before the day of the cruise, additional 100 yen.
![]()
The cruise continues.
![]()
![]()
Next stop, Ookuno Island. Ookuno Island has government operated hotel facility and also known as rabbit island. Why rabbits? Ookuno Island had military facility for chemical weapons during WWII. Rabbits were brought to the island to test chemical weapons. However, all rabbits brought in during the war was slaughtered and rabbits exists today were likely brought in during early '70's.
![]()
![]()
![]()
The cruise head to Mihara, finally destination. Overall, this was very nice cruise. Because the cruise does not return to Hiroshima, got to see wider area of Seto Inland Sea. I think guide/information are given in Japanese only. It was a nice way to experience Seto Inland Sea.
![]()
![]()
![]()
Arriving at Mihara
![]()
The cruise is operated by Sea Spica ship.
The first floor is an indoor seating area, seats were assigned seats.
The upstairs is an outside deck. Half of the time I spent outside deck.
The ship also has a small shop at the back where drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are available. All drinks and snacks were small size, but the price was same as regular size at conbini in the city. Could be better off to bring own.
The departure at Hiroshima is at Hiroshima Port, which can be reached by Hiroshima tram, and Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima. Departure time from Hiroshima coincide with morning rush hours. During weekdays it may take little longer to get to the departure point of this cruise.
Cruising through the Seto Inland Sea.
First stop, port city of Kure. Kure was a naval port before WWII and the battleship Yamato was built here. Shipbuilding continues today and also it is a major port for Japanese coast guard and self-defense force. The attendant on the ship will provide information during the cruise. I think guide is available only in Japanese.
About this cruise ship Sea Spica. During G7 Hiroshima Summit in 2023, leaders visited Miyajima and from Hiroshima to Miyajima leaders took this Sea Spica, except for Biden from the U.S. Biden too Marine One. There is pictures onboard the ship. I sat on the chair where Macron and Kishida sat. :)
First stop, Sanose at Shimokamagari Island. Had about an hour to stroll around the area. This island is known as where Korean diplomats stayed from Muromachi era to Edo era.
During the cruise there is an option for lunch, need to arrange before the day of the cruise, additional 100 yen.
The cruise continues.
Next stop, Ookuno Island. Ookuno Island has government operated hotel facility and also known as rabbit island. Why rabbits? Ookuno Island had military facility for chemical weapons during WWII. Rabbits were brought to the island to test chemical weapons. However, all rabbits brought in during the war was slaughtered and rabbits exists today were likely brought in during early '70's.
The cruise head to Mihara, finally destination. Overall, this was very nice cruise. Because the cruise does not return to Hiroshima, got to see wider area of Seto Inland Sea. I think guide/information are given in Japanese only. It was a nice way to experience Seto Inland Sea.
Arriving at Mihara
↧
Some Hidden Gems in Tokyo
Sharing a few places that have popped up in my newsfeed for those looking for something different in Tokyo
1. Mitsukoshi Ginza rooftop oasis
https://soranews24.com/2025/03/22/department-store-rooftop-in-tokyo-is-a-secret-oasis-above-the-city/
2. Natural hot spring
https://soranews24.com/2025/03/16/secret-onsen-hot-spring-is-a-hidden-gem-in-tokyo/
1. Mitsukoshi Ginza rooftop oasis
https://soranews24.com/2025/03/22/department-store-rooftop-in-tokyo-is-a-secret-oasis-above-the-city/
2. Natural hot spring
https://soranews24.com/2025/03/16/secret-onsen-hot-spring-is-a-hidden-gem-in-tokyo/
↧
A Trip to Two Beaches
I wasn't going to do a trip report for this journey because our primary destinations are relaxing (read: boring)--however, as the LHR shutdown led to the loss of trip reports this weekend, if this report can provide someone a modicum of infomation or pleasure, I feel it's worth it.
This trip is primarily fueled by American Airlines miles and Marriott points. Our routing is JFK-LHR-MLE-KUL-BKK-HKT-BKK-CMB-BOM-LHR-JFK. The long haul products are run of the mill (AA and BA), but I haven't seen many reports on MH and UL shorthaul (with a recent exception) and have seen little to no reporting on what what we are taking to Phuket and back--Thai business class and Thai Vietjet Skyboss (which I previously reviewed in September 2023).
There are countless YouTube videos about the St. Regis Maldives, so I will just share the highlights there. We will be spending one night in Kuala Lumpur, two nights in Bangkok, three nights in Phuket, a night by BKK, and then almost two full days in Colombo.
I will try to keep this report live. We are in a cab on the way to JFK now for our late night departure from T8.
This trip is primarily fueled by American Airlines miles and Marriott points. Our routing is JFK-LHR-MLE-KUL-BKK-HKT-BKK-CMB-BOM-LHR-JFK. The long haul products are run of the mill (AA and BA), but I haven't seen many reports on MH and UL shorthaul (with a recent exception) and have seen little to no reporting on what what we are taking to Phuket and back--Thai business class and Thai Vietjet Skyboss (which I previously reviewed in September 2023).
There are countless YouTube videos about the St. Regis Maldives, so I will just share the highlights there. We will be spending one night in Kuala Lumpur, two nights in Bangkok, three nights in Phuket, a night by BKK, and then almost two full days in Colombo.
I will try to keep this report live. We are in a cab on the way to JFK now for our late night departure from T8.
↧
↧
BA94 (YUL-LHR) tonight 12 hour delay?
I have just discovered that the BA94 flight from Montreal to LHR tonight is delayed by 12 hours. The incoming BA95 from HR is only slightly delayed.
The same set of flights was cancelled, understandably, due to the fire at LHR the day before.
Is the reason for the delay tonight mechanical, or is it due to something else?
The same set of flights was cancelled, understandably, due to the fire at LHR the day before.
Is the reason for the delay tonight mechanical, or is it due to something else?
↧
Ethiopian 787-9 business missing window seat. Where is it?
I'm trying to avoid the missing window seat on the 787-9 but my evidence is conflicting.
According to the seat map of my flight, I see the aircraft I'm flying is version 1. This is 2x2x2 configuration and I am booked in 5L, the last row from CPT-ADD. The missing window appears to be in 4L.
seatmaps.com is telling me that the flight is operated by 787-9 version 2 which is a completely different configuration to the seat map I'm seeing for my flight. My seat 5L now has the missing window. It's very confusing as 5L in this configuration falls in the middle of the business cabin and not at the back as the configuration is 1x2x1.
Any advice or input in avoiding this horrendous seat would be appreciated.
According to the seat map of my flight, I see the aircraft I'm flying is version 1. This is 2x2x2 configuration and I am booked in 5L, the last row from CPT-ADD. The missing window appears to be in 4L.
seatmaps.com is telling me that the flight is operated by 787-9 version 2 which is a completely different configuration to the seat map I'm seeing for my flight. My seat 5L now has the missing window. It's very confusing as 5L in this configuration falls in the middle of the business cabin and not at the back as the configuration is 1x2x1.
Any advice or input in avoiding this horrendous seat would be appreciated.
↧
CK Invites for 2026 rolling out?
Hi everyone,
I earned CK last October, was actually a surprise logged in and noticed it one morning. I got the phone call a few days later congratulating me and that a package would be delivered in X amount of business days. Package never came, after several times calling in never got a welcome package. I finally had one rep tell me that they do not send welcome packages out to customers who receive the invite mid year. Not sure how true that is but never got anything.
Has anyone seen extensions?
I earned roughly 2.35 million loyalty points last year. 50k spending on actual flying, with roughly the rest in credit card spending. I'm hoping to requalify again this year. I'm also Diamond member earned 58k MQDS last year with most of that coming from credit card and only 2 international trips.
I really enjoy CK with flagship access even on domestic routes. Most of the time I have my family with me total of 4 people they always let my entire party in even with me only being CK. So far I've always been greeted on an international flight and been expediated through customs which is amazing. I've experienced this in Japan, Italy, and Brazil so far. Gate transfers are a hit and miss. Craziest experience was my flight was delayed coming into E gate through CLT and had to connect all the way into Terminal A. It was my first flight as a CK member pulling into the gate I saw the black SUV and was immediately relieved. However, there was a delay at the gate for deboarding and I watched the SUV drive off. I had 15 minutes to get to Terminal A. I barely made it and was sweating to death miserable flight lol.
If the PHL flagship ever opens up really make things interesting as that's my connecting airport for all international trips. I really hate they took 18 year Maccallin out of Flagship first dining.
I earned CK last October, was actually a surprise logged in and noticed it one morning. I got the phone call a few days later congratulating me and that a package would be delivered in X amount of business days. Package never came, after several times calling in never got a welcome package. I finally had one rep tell me that they do not send welcome packages out to customers who receive the invite mid year. Not sure how true that is but never got anything.
Has anyone seen extensions?
I earned roughly 2.35 million loyalty points last year. 50k spending on actual flying, with roughly the rest in credit card spending. I'm hoping to requalify again this year. I'm also Diamond member earned 58k MQDS last year with most of that coming from credit card and only 2 international trips.
I really enjoy CK with flagship access even on domestic routes. Most of the time I have my family with me total of 4 people they always let my entire party in even with me only being CK. So far I've always been greeted on an international flight and been expediated through customs which is amazing. I've experienced this in Japan, Italy, and Brazil so far. Gate transfers are a hit and miss. Craziest experience was my flight was delayed coming into E gate through CLT and had to connect all the way into Terminal A. It was my first flight as a CK member pulling into the gate I saw the black SUV and was immediately relieved. However, there was a delay at the gate for deboarding and I watched the SUV drive off. I had 15 minutes to get to Terminal A. I barely made it and was sweating to death miserable flight lol.
If the PHL flagship ever opens up really make things interesting as that's my connecting airport for all international trips. I really hate they took 18 year Maccallin out of Flagship first dining.
↧
Did Wyndham make an unannounced adjustment in its hotel award pricing?
It is common for hotel chains with an award chart to adjust the number of points you need to stay at each property. Sometimes these are preannounced -- think Hyatt's annual March revision -- and sometimes they're not. Last year, in March, Wyndham announced a fixed date when point rates would change, impacting about 7% of their properties. This year, we've had no such announcement.
But I know of at least one hotel that has suddenly doubled in price: the new Paris "Pleyel Resort." Paris hotels are expensive, and while the location of the Pleyel is not ideal, it was a bargain at 15,000 points/night (13,500 for Wyndham Earner cardholders). But now, the property has jumped a category which results in a brutal price increase to 30,000 points/night.
Are there other hotels that have changed categories? As everyone who's reading this forum knows, Wyndham doesn't get a lot of attention from the points bloggers, so things can certainly change in the program without being noticed. I am a bit surprised that Wyndham would do this unannounced given last year's announcement but, without much public scrutiny of their program, perhaps they didn't feel a need to do so.
But I know of at least one hotel that has suddenly doubled in price: the new Paris "Pleyel Resort." Paris hotels are expensive, and while the location of the Pleyel is not ideal, it was a bargain at 15,000 points/night (13,500 for Wyndham Earner cardholders). But now, the property has jumped a category which results in a brutal price increase to 30,000 points/night.
Are there other hotels that have changed categories? As everyone who's reading this forum knows, Wyndham doesn't get a lot of attention from the points bloggers, so things can certainly change in the program without being noticed. I am a bit surprised that Wyndham would do this unannounced given last year's announcement but, without much public scrutiny of their program, perhaps they didn't feel a need to do so.
↧
↧
AR Premium Economy
I found an old thread but anyone have any more recent experiences of AR Premium Economy.
The seats look reasonable for the domestic flights especially the couple of three hour ones we have but I cannot see much detail about food and drinks.
Is alcohol available for purchase?
Thanks.
The seats look reasonable for the domestic flights especially the couple of three hour ones we have but I cannot see much detail about food and drinks.
Is alcohol available for purchase?
Thanks.
↧
Qatar Business
Probandonbly stupid questions, but I have the intellectual vigour of a gumboot. (Probably not even the correct forum, but, what's the worst that you guys can do?)
Anyhoo, my wife and I booked Qatar business on VA flight numbers from Mackay to London and I was wondering whether all the lurks and perks were the same as if booked directly through Qatar? Pajamas and suchlike, I know longe access is available, just wondering about any other stuff.
Anyhoo, my wife and I booked Qatar business on VA flight numbers from Mackay to London and I was wondering whether all the lurks and perks were the same as if booked directly through Qatar? Pajamas and suchlike, I know longe access is available, just wondering about any other stuff.
↧
NY and back in JAL F
Was able to score a couple more F awards on this fantastic craft. Lovely hard product and terrific soft product as always. The outbound meal really impressed, and the flight went by quickly. For whatever reason the return felt like an eternity (I didnt try to sleep at all which probably was a big part of that).
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
![]()
↧