MVD Lounge – June 2102- This is a contract lounge, not run by the airline

MVD > SCL – June 2012

WAY too many carbs, but the bread and cheese were tasty.  Premium Economy on LAN.

SCL > MVD – July 2012

Orange juice, a turkey and cheese sandwich and a chocolate.  It wasn’t actually that bad and I liked LAN’s service within South America.

I can’t believe they use the Juan Valdez marketing. LOL!

SCL Lounge – August 2012 – American Airlines Lounge

This is the lounge Air Canada was using back in 2012 for their customers connecting in Business Class.  I liked this lounge very much!  While it may have felt dated with the decor, honestly, I don’t need super ultra modern in a lounge.  I just want quiet and relaxing.

I saw this article from a friend on Facebook.  As some of you may know I’ve lost 65lbs since October and still going.  I’ve been thinking about what it means when I hit 240 (about 75lbs lost) and then 230 (about 85lbs lost).

I’ve always looked at 240lbs as a magic number to attain, to then start working out in earnest and such.  Why I couldn’t be doing that now, I don’t know.  It’s just been how I’ve been thinking.

Here are some key quotes from the blog entry:

“There’s no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow of weight loss because the rainbow has no end. There is today. There is now. There is during. There is life.”

“I don’t feel like I’m at After. I’m terrified of being at After. And, I don’t like that After is here.”

My weight is something I will always struggle with, and will have to manage for the rest of my life. That last quote speaks volumes about when I start the maintenance phase.

That said, it’s fun saying, for once, “I like me, I like how I look now, I’m pleased” rather than being self loathing.

As for hitting 240lbs and re-starting lifting in earnest… As I hit 252lbs this week, I am seeing the base that I had built up years ago when I was playing Rugby, competing in Highland Games, and starting Strongman.  Wow, I’ve got a good base.  It’s nice seeing the definition. *GRIN*

About a month ago, I booked myself on a reward ticket using my British Airways Executive Club membership.  I joined BA’s Executive Club because I was expecting to fly One World airlines to the US more often than I do.

12 years ago, I started flying regularly with my job at Reserve America.  I would often fly US airlines because it was much cheaper than Air Canada, and we needed to keep flights cheaper.  I would fly primarily American and US Airways, oh the irony.  Surprisingly, US Airways was my preferred airline of choice when I could.

If only I had realized the importance of collecting miles on a single airline, as well as not splitting my hotel points with the airline points.

I digress.

For just over 18,000 Avios and $69, I was able to book a business class flight to Chicago on American.  Say what?  For that kind of flight on Aeroplan points, it would be 50,000 points and way more money as you pay the Canadian taxes.  I was very surprised!

I haven’t really flown a US-based airline, until the last year where I have flown American, United, and Alaska.  My previous experiences tell me that service is going to be horrible, especially on the shuttle services.  Very much inline with a Skytrax 2 or 3 star airline.

The service on my flight to and from Chicago was great, just as it has been for Dallas on AA last year.  I have noticed that the US airlines are attempting to get better at service.  I noticed it the last time I flew Delta, and even slightly with the new hardware on United.  I think the airlines are slowly trying to turn things around with mixed results.

Anyway – American to Chicago.

Anytime I fly through Terminal 3, which is three times in the past year, I always feel like I am at an airport based in the US.  I’m hearing spanish, american accents all over the place, and very little french.  It’s like I am in a totally different world, especially relative to Terminal 1 which is just a few 100 metres away.  Just bizarre.  I wonder if the US-based airlines end up hiring US staff that drive back and forth to Buffalo rather than hiring Canadians. LOL

I also never fly out of the International or Canadian side of Terminal 3, so my perception is always US-centric when leaving from this terminal.  What I have also noticed is that the Canadian side of T3 also has a very different vibe, when I have left from there.

The equipment for this journey was a CRJ-700.  After coming down from the high of the 787 experience, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

The equipment on American, with the new paint jobs, and the fact that the plane was new (you could smell that new airplane smell), I was very impressed.  I’ve always disliked CRJs but having flown on a few 700s and 900s more recently, I actually like these two models.  Forget the 100s and 200s.

The service from the FAs returning was fantastic.  Going, I’d say the guy was kind of funny.  Not what I’d usually expect in Business but I can’t complain.

A big glass of red wine going, with top ups if I wanted (which I declined) and a big mug of coffee on my way home.

I think what topped the experience was, when mid-flight on my way home we were told the plane had an indication and that we had to turn back to ORD.  Prior to landing they explained that we had lost one of the backup hydraulic systems.  Doh!

‘Cool escort’, the FA said as we landed. We had a landing party that included fire trucks and other support had the hydraulic systems or other systems completely broke down.

In 12 years of flying regularly, this is a first time for a mechanical issue like this and needing to be diverted.

AA did a great job of getting a replacement plane – actually immediately sent us over to G8 to get on a new plane, with snacks, new crew within 30 minutes.  AA did a great job keeping us informed and updated.

You can see American trying to do a great job of providing great customer service, as they go through the merger with US Airways.  Mergers are always a challenge, and I do hope they are successful.

With the changes they are making, they could possibly sway me from British Airways, and could also become a regular airline that I use to the US, if for some reason I can’t with Air Canada.  United should be my choice given it’s link to Star Alliance, but I can’t help but think that American is just that touch better with service.

Air Canada’s first 787-8, Fin 801, launched into service last year doing a few flights around Canada until starting regular service to HND.  As Air Canada has received their first batch of 787-8s and soon 787-9s, they’ve moved services around, flying to TLV, Europe and later this year, DEL and DXB.

They’re also using them on intercontinental flights, usually to swap from one coast to the other just like their 777s and 767s.

What a stunning airplane. I do declare that the 787 is my favourite in-service jet liner. Having hit a high of 41,003 ft at 992km/h. I’m not sure I’ve ever been that fast before or not in a plane. The construction of the plane is gorgeous. The cleanest design of a wing I have ever seen.

Toronto to Vancouver in 3h 43m; 4h gate to gate, those cool electronic window blinds that I was skeptical about… My nose and lips are not dry. My lungs feel happy. Truly revolutionary. Looking forward to my next trip on one. 

Ah the beloved Canadian Customs Declaration card, or any Customs Declaration card from any country.

For me, personally, I think there’s a special hate for this form. Why?

• Despite being a Nexus card holder, I still have to fill it out
• The little piece of paper you have to rip off before handing to the customs agent when leaving the secure area/baggage claim area

Firstly, as a Nexus card holder entering the United States, I can forego the blue form that I would normally have to fill out if I’m entering using my passport. The questions are asked on the Global Entry terminal I use. This is awesome as it saves me time, saves the US government time as my handwriting is horrible and allows for easy collection of big data.

The United States also has their ABC (Automated Border Control) stations at major ports of entry into the US from Canada. I’ve definitely seen those machines at Toronto-Pearson and Vancouver airports. Could those terminals not be used to fill out the form automatically?

I use the same argument for Canada. We now have ABC at all airports entering Canada. In Canada’s case you have to fill out the Customs Declaration, scan it and hope that it scans properly. It’s pointless. Have someone fill out the questions on the computer directly instead of wasting time scanning.

Let’s talk about the waste of paper by both governments.

• When you use Nexus entering the US, you don’t need to fill out the blue declaration form but depending on how you’re entering the US, you either get one or two pieces of paper:
  • The equivalent to the blue declaration form that says you’re good to enter the US with your picture, or one with a big X on it to go to secondary inspection
  • The second may be a departure card, I-94 if you’re entering on work status such as an L-1A or L-1B that you keep as proof of entry into the US.
  • I see both as a waste of paper. The US government has the information it needs. The I-94 is a waste as not only can the US CBP pull up your records if you’re renewing status, you as a temporary worker in the US should be keeping track of your dates, which I do.
  • Have some form of automated system to scan a passport or Nexus/Global Entry card to direct you through security or to secondary?
• When you use Nexus entering Canada, you have three pieces of paper – really two but humour me for a sec.
  • The Canadian Customs Declaration form
  • The tear away bit making the Customs Declaration form way bigger than it needs to be, which you have to throw away. The CBP folks give you attitude if you don’t do this.
  • A piece of paper with your V or R number on it.
  • What a waste! Can’t we do something similar to what I recommended above?
• When you use a passport entering Canada
  • Not only do you have to fill out the Customs Declaration card, you scan that paper, and then the system prints, essentially, an OCRed version of the same form. It keeps the form you filled out, but you then have to hand the printed form to the guard.
  • Two pieces of paper, a complete waste.
• I have to admit, I am not sure what happens when you enter the US using their ABC system. I simply have not had to use it.

Regardless, it’s a complete waste of paper. What happens to those forms? Are they archived? Burned? Recycled?

Other countries, I know often have multiple forms.   Usually some form of customs declaration and often a health declaration form. I think I have also seen a third form for agriculture as well. Could these not be placed on to a single form?

Given the number of people that travel around the world, that has to be a considerable amount of paper.

I liked the fact that when entering The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos that there was no need to fill in any paper. I liked the process Uruguay and Argentina used when I took Buequbus between both countries four years ago and any customs details were included on my ticket, everything was done online.

In the case of Canada, just think how much less waste we would have if we got rid of the extra piece of paper you have to tear off the form. Think of how much the government would save if they used a standard sized piece of paper, and the savings in ink alone. They’ve already made investments in automation, so can’t they take this one step further and get rid of paper all together or minimize the amount of paper used?

Governments need to be smarter with their processes.

Whenever I have Star Alliance Gold status, and I’m flying through PDX (Portland), I always go up to the lounge.  As much as I am critical of United’s service, specifically the food options and the fact you have to pay for drinks in the lounge (other than the great cappuccino machine that’s here), truth be known, I really do appreciate having a lounge that I can go to at an airport.

I actually really like this lounge.  It’s small, comfy, clean and the staff actually have character.  Today I got talking to the lounge attendant about her pin asking, “Have you been to Phuket, Thailand?” to which I said no but told her about our plans for Japan and Hong Kong where she had been many a time.

The lounge here has an amazing view of the landing strip, mountains, blue sky and green trees.

All week I was driving on NE Marine drive past the north side of the airport next to the Columbia River.  You get a great view of planes landing and anyone taking plane photos will definitely appreciate the places were you can get some great shots of planes, along with the beauty that Portland has to offer.

I am pretty fortunate to have this privilege.  It’s easy to lose track of that, to always be critical, rather than being thankful for what we have.

Air Canada got some pretty sweet deals on a few 777-300ERs which they have dubbed their High Density 777.

I’ve flown on this configuration four times, the first time was with my manager who complained about the seating.  I thought he as joking, as I snapped a picture in response of my legs spread out from the exit row seat I was seated in.

I will say, I do like the concept of Premium Economy.  I could sit in a Premium Economy seat and be comfortable for a long haul journey. I would prefer an aisle or window as I’ve done middle seats – row 12 (bulk head) and row 13. If I had to sit in a middle seat again, I would not complain.

I have not had a chance to sit in a Studio Pod Business Class seat yet.  The concept of high density business class, in that configuration does not make sense to me.  Having two people seated such that if you’re by the window you have to bother someone, especially if they’re lying down, doesn’t seem appropriate.  I’d go as far as saying, it’s just wrong.  But hey, that’s a first world problem. 😉

Economy?  Forget it.  I can live with it for a 5 hour transcontinental flight, but forget going 11 to 13 hours overseas.

I get why airlines are going with high density configurations.  To squeeze out as much fuel economy per passenger as they can.  As someone who appreciates fuel economy and not wanting to pay for petrol, I get it.

I think there’s a balance to supporting your customers and supporting your needs as a company.

Below are some pictures from being seated in Premium Economy and the fact, in what I would call a rare move for AC, dual bridge boarding!

On Air Canada, there is one plane that guarantees that EVERYONE gets a window seat.  No, I’m not talking about a 787 where the windows are larger than life.

I’m talking about flying a Beechcraft 1900D, which could be Air Canada’s most comfortable airline save for the loudness.  The 1900D was introduced in 1991, so I’m flying a plane that is actually younger than the Dash-8s I fly to Portland from Vancouver.

So why comfortable?  The plane has 18 or 19 seats depending on configuration.  Everyone gets a window, everyone gets an aisle.  You don’t have to worry about anyone poking you, or stealing your space, or the guy sleeping on me like what happened when I flew to Dallas a few weeks ago.

The catch?  There is absolutely no beverage service on the plane.  Which, I’m actually fine with.  The past few flights I’ve had, I’ve skipped the beverage service.

Knee room is short, but manageable.  As I was not stuck in the same position because of someone sitting next to me, my back was thanking me at the end of the trip.  My butt wasn’t sore either

I think it’s interesting that while today I fly on what will be the smallest aircraft I will fly on this year, and in a little less than six months from now, I will be flying on the largest passenger aircraft ever build from ICN to HKG.

Given I am fortunate enough to have Star Alliance Gold having reached over 50k status miles flown on Air Canada last year, during our trip we have our choices of lounges.  If you’re in a similar situation, here are a few links to lounges by airport.

Note that I’ve not included United lounges which are available at Narita and Hong Kong International.  Why would I go to a United lounge when I can try ANA, Thai or Singapore?

Toronto

Travelling from Toronto to Narita, we’ll have access to the International Maple Leaf Lounge.

Narita

Traveling from Japan to South Korea, there really is only one option.  The ANA Business Lounge.  This article talks about lounges at NRT including the United lounge.

Incheon

We have our choices of the Asiana Business Class Lounge or the Singapore SilverKris Lounge.  I have heard amazing things about Singapore, and I have heard very good things about the Asiana lounge.  I think we’ll have a chance to try both given we do get to spend a lot of time at Incheon.  This article talks about the lounges at ICN.

Hong Kong

Choices, choices.  Do we go for Singapore, or do we try Thai Royal Orchid?  Sadly we get to the airport early, around 6am and then we leave at 8am.  I have to admit, I’m leaning towards Singapore, but really want to experience Thai’s offering as well.  Nothing stops us from trying both.  This article talks about both lounges, as well as the United lounge in Hong Kong.

Vancouver

From Incheon to Vancouver, we’ll get back to enjoy the trusty Domestic Maple Leaf Lounge in which Scott and I have spent much time waiting for flights home to Toronto.

We have our options.  I’m excited to try something new

Scott and I are headed on a two week vacation to Japan and Hong Kong.  This is a trip that we have been talking about doing for about 18 years since we got together.

Over the past two years, I have been saving up my Aeroplan and hotel points to minimise the amount paid out of pocket.

Let’s just say that I did not realize the value of airline points until I booked this trip, and really not until after I had booked the trip completely.

The original plan was to spend as much time in Japan as possible.  Using Aeroplan points, I did not think I could make stops along the way.  I knew I was going to fly via Incheon, South Korea and Hong Kong to get back to Toronto and on a whim I decided to see what we could do staying over with the number of points we had.  It turned out I could add one or two stops on the trip.

In addition to Hong Kong, we also considered Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.  Given we only had two weeks and we want to get as much as Japan in, we figured we’ll do one stop for three days.  We had both wanted to visit Hong Kong for many years, so this was the prefect opportunity.

The other requirements we had for this trip were;

• Flying on a 787 – While, by the time this trip happens, it might not be my first time on a 787 (Air Canada is starting to fly them Trans Continental), I really want to experience the difference with the cabin pressure brought down to a lower level, and flying at 40,999
• Flying direct to Japan from Toronto – The 787 offers this, although I believe Air Canada’s 777ERs do as well.
• Flying in Business Class – There is no way Scott and I are flying in economy, 11 to 13 hours. I’ve done it to Chile and it’s not comfortable.  Not only are we flying to and from Asia back to Canada in business class, the whole trip is business class.
• Shinkansen – There is no way I’m going to Japan and not getting on a Shinkansen train!
• Flying on an A380 – Within North America, you don’t have a lot of opportunity to fly on an A380, and the only A380 that flies to Toronto is Emirates service to Dubai.  It wasn’t an initial requirement but there was an opportunity to fly on an Asiana A380 from ICN to HKG.  Perfect!  I’ll take it.

Here is what we ended up with: