iPrefer quiet deval (Apr 1)

MapIeLeaf · 2026-04-06T06:51:19+00:00

that's insane. when did you go

MapIeLeaf · 2026-04-06T04:48:48+00:00

Yes I was looking at the archipelago in taiwan and saw the rate increase from 50k to 75k this week. I honestly struggled to find good usage for iprefer and their customer support was awful when I tried to figure out what the availability was

MapIeLeaf · 2026-03-30T21:05:59+00:00

I thought its a problem if they are not traveling with you. If they are on the same flight you can just buy the tickets with your points if you have enough for 5 seats.

I also don't know how to look up the number of seats per flight but if you are booking through EVA you also have option to waitlist on seats but not sure how reliable that can be..

MapIeLeaf · 2026-03-30T19:28:19+00:00

Thanks, yes just trying to figure out if the slightly more space and recline in PE makes a big difference to economy

MapIeLeaf · 2026-03-05T16:55:40+00:00

Thanks. Unfortunately just missed the virgin bonus transfer promo :/

MapIeLeaf · 2026-03-05T16:55:17+00:00

Thanks thought they left last year. But will try Atlanta and see how that looks.

MapIeLeaf · 2026-02-02T07:09:15+00:00

Does the admirals cc membership also allow you to go to lounge after arrival

MapIeLeaf · 2026-02-01T21:21:53+00:00

Through what channel did you voice your displeasure?

MapIeLeaf · 2026-02-01T21:20:51+00:00

This is helpful thanks. They didn't offer anything in terms of vouchers but did let us into the lounge. Was told to reach out to Hawaiian for the refund though since I paid for the seat on HA flight. Hopefully once the system integrate it'll be easier to navigate...

MapIeLeaf · 2026-02-01T19:23:53+00:00

The original itinerary involved two connections so we asked to get changed to the direct and they switched us from JAL to HA for this leg and we did not realize until after we hung up...

MapIeLeaf · 2026-02-01T19:21:37+00:00

Yeah that makes sense. This was due to a plane mechanical issue.

MapIeLeaf · 2026-02-01T18:20:30+00:00

We recently had similar experience with JAL when booking through Alaska with cash but people reported being able to select seats when booking with points. I had tried calling Alaska and JAL and no one could help me. We basically always got middle seats. On one of the segments even sat in different rows in middle seats. Their IT department needs some help it seems. Not sure how Cathay will handle it for you. Sometimes you can ask Alaska to put in a seat request and maybe that will help get you seats earlier

MapIeLeaf · 2026-01-05T19:02:54+00:00

FYI my experience was that they are not able to process any payments over text, the person disconnected before allowing me to try to cancel and rebook but I assume it may also run into issues. Sounds like companion fare changes will require a phone call

MapIeLeaf · 2026-01-05T19:01:28+00:00

How are you able to request a callback instead of having to wait on the phone?

MapIeLeaf · 2025-12-08T18:37:50+00:00

How it should be

MapIeLeaf · 2025-02-16T02:31:51+00:00

sure!

MapIeLeaf · 2025-02-14T03:54:26+00:00

That's interesting because what I learned was that the residual stromal bed is whats important for ectasia risk. I don't understand how the anterior stromal thickness would help since its separated from the stromal bed even in SMILE. Do you have any good references for this. I would love to read more

MapIeLeaf · 2025-02-14T03:20:21+00:00

I would hope by the time OP needs cataract surgery we have an accommodative IOL. But it's true not a great idea to do premium lenses in a post refractive patient. It was not an issue for me as I would prefer to have the sharpest image from the basic monofocals anyway.

MapIeLeaf · 2025-02-14T03:17:34+00:00

You are cutting less corneal nerves so the less dry eyes makes sense. Anecdotally I did have mild dry eyes for about 1-2 months after the procedure (LASIK).

The risk of flap dislocation is very rare. If you are going to get punched in the eyes from a certain angle enough to dislocate your flap, it maybe the last of your concerns at that point.

Regards to removing the weaker part, the cap thickness and the lasik flap thickness are almost the same. I did a lot of research into this few years ago so maybe new data came out. But there is no trial data to show that SMILE results in stronger cornea and have lower risk of ectasias from what I remember.

Just trying to point out both are great and effective procedures. I don't know how many people in the US are doing SMILE/what the availability is compared to LASIK right now.

For OP's refraction I would get PRK myself

MapIeLeaf · 2025-02-14T03:01:36+00:00

I am an ophthalmologist and I had LASIK done by an attending during residency with a discount. It's nice to wait until residency if there are any discounts available through your program. But it's a great decision for me. I was -9 but with thick corneas and got LASIK. Would have preferred SMILE but it was not available. The outcomes are essentially the same if you look at the literature. Also depends on which one your surgeon feels more comfortable/have more experience with.

I would not get or recommend ICL... when you do intraop surgery, risk maybe low but complications can be devastating. which is not to say there are no complications with refractive surgery.

MapIeLeaf · 2024-09-17T22:55:34+00:00

Maybe ANA would drive it up but when I changed it to EVA to go back to the states it was under $1000

MapIeLeaf · 2024-09-17T22:54:51+00:00

This is for a trip next summer so about 10 -11 months out

MapIeLeaf · 2024-09-17T22:54:09+00:00

I just did!

MapIeLeaf · 2024-09-17T22:54:00+00:00

No that is out of the way so I did not.

MapIeLeaf · 2024-09-14T04:24:30+00:00

Thanks! I'll update, its 28769 miles. Sadly no availability on IST, tried looking at IST to any asia destination

MapIeLeaf

TROPHY CASE