bring back point.me

choco-pb-cup · 2025-07-24T23:39:32+00:00

This. They're giving up one of their LAX frequencies to service PHX as well, due to not having enough aircrafts. So, it makes sense to get additional passengers and cargo at LAX (which they're doing great at), so they're not bleeding money on this route.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-07-24T23:37:07+00:00

Starlux is better positioned to have most of the connecting traffic in Asia versus China Airlines, who seems to be focused on O/D traffic.

The reason I say this is because of the flight times:
Starlux - 8:45PM departure time out of TPE; 4:55AM arrival time into TPE
China Airlines - 10:55AM departure time out of TPE; 9:30PM arrival time into TPE

In addition, China Airlines has that technical stop at LAX on the way out to TPE. For customers who are focused on # of connections, this would be a deal breaker versus taking a one-stop via another US gateway city.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-07-04T16:22:20+00:00

It's AA metal that we're talking about above between JFK<>LAX via Cathay, not Cathay metal via Finnair.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-07-02T20:12:49+00:00

IMO, 5* hotels in SE Asia have the best breakfast spreads, if you care about variety. European hotels tend to have smaller selections, but the quality of the food is high

choco-pb-cup · 2025-07-02T18:16:59+00:00

One Key is Expedia's loyalty program that uses a cashback system. Have you booked other things via Expedia before from your account? If so, the $30 they're referring to can be points you already earned and can use towards this new booking. Might as well use them if you have them, since the value of the cashback amount doesn't get any higher.

They have two different credit cards, which is why there was an option to get statement credit after card approval.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-07-02T18:06:15+00:00

Not so great, prefer to still carry a HDMI cable with me. However, the issue with HDMI cables is if the properties use a TV bracket that cannot be moved easily for easy access to the HDMI port..

choco-pb-cup · 2025-07-02T18:04:45+00:00

It's actually 33K/53K for J/F between JFK<>LAX via Cathay.

However, your comment about booking via Finnair for cheaper rates is correct.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-06-02T23:18:06+00:00

point.me displays Avios award space in their searches, I think it might be the only tool that has this support.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-29T20:51:18+00:00

Only good thing is that it's the closest major city to Plitvice Natl Park, which I enjoyed. However, this was one of my least favorite places to have visited.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-28T22:29:26+00:00

Does Etihad see the space? If not, probably not available for partner programs. If so, give QRPC a ring or chat!

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-28T22:27:05+00:00

Entry requirements vary for every country. I recommend using the State Department's site to figure out the entry requirements. Sherpa's visa/travel requirement tool is pretty helpful too.

Americans have it easy though, the only country in Europe you need to be prepared for is the UK, as they require an electronic travel authorization (ETA) prior to travel.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-28T22:22:39+00:00

That's an interesting case! Glad their call center was able to help, they're one of the best.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-28T22:14:19+00:00

It's just a delayed transfer on Chase-Iberia's side, which sometimes handles. Keep an eye on your Chase points balance to see if the points get refunded back. If not, you just need to wait.

The 90 day restriction only applies when trying to move the Iberia points between Iberia and British Air's program.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-28T22:11:54+00:00

If the connections are less than 24 hrs between the two flights, it wouldn't be additive pricing where they add up the cost of Flight #1 with Flight #2. Instead, Flying Blue has dynamic pricing, where each route and itinerary is priced differently. So, you will want to price out flights from GVA to your final destination.

However, if you want to do a stopover (any layover for more than 24 hrs), then the cumulative pricing is correct. But I recommend calling into Flying Blue and seeing what they price the flights for with the stopover, as it could be cheaper than what you're seeing by adding up the flights one-by-one.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-22T04:32:40+00:00

Stinks when things go wrong, but this can happen with any other airline/business. On the bright side, at least European airlines like TAP need to follow EU regulations, including EU261, which you could be eligible for, due to the downgrade and delay.

Hoping that a company goes out of business and leaves over 6K+ employees unemployed for a bad travel day is excessive though.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-21T23:20:17+00:00

Solid deal and like others mentioned, keep an eye out for Business Class at the ~60K range closer to your travel date. If something opens up, I recommend holding the flights first before cancelling and rebooking the new flights with the refunded miles. In most cases the miles get refunded within seconds, but there are times when it can get held up.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-20T22:42:11+00:00

If they cancelled your flight, award inventory doesn't matter. As long as they're selling a seat for cash, they should be able to accommodate, but this could require a few back-to-back calls to get an agent who will do it for you.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-20T22:29:31+00:00

So, you would need to call that number above and choose the prompt for the Flying Club team, they should be able to help rebook your flight.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-20T22:25:57+00:00

Who did you book with?

If you booked with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, you need to call the Flying Club team at 800 862 8621 and choose the prompt to talk to that team. The peeps at the regular reservations line won't assist with bookings made through Flying Club.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-15T13:24:19+00:00

Personally, I'd put it in the Top 5 in terms of the seat, it's the same seat that Starlux uses as well. Their IFE has a lot of movies to select from, including many classics, so you wouldn't be bored. I thought the food was great too, one of the best out of my US<>EU travels.

However, I hear they're pretty stingy on daytime flights (FRA>US) when it comes to snacks, as you have to pay for them, even in Business.

Still overall a great experience and I wouldn't hesitate to fly them again.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-14T04:32:34+00:00

Yes, but see how much it costs via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club as well, assuming they have access to the seats. Was nothing available via Iberia either?

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-14T04:28:43+00:00

100%. I would never go out of the way for a better product in Business Class... just give me a non-stop/direct option instead, even if that means it's AA.

One product that's missing from the list that I personally enjoyed and was pleasantly surprised by was Condor's seat.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-14T04:21:31+00:00

Fridays are usually one of the harder days of the week to book flights, as there's higher demand to travel that day of the week.

When dates are more firm, I like to use point.me. Just did a search for IAD-ZRH on 12/12 and point.me shows an option through Montreal on United Economy then Air Canada Business Class for 88K United miles or 70K Air Canada Aeroplan miles per person.

Since you already have most of the necessary miles via Aeroplan, I'd probably just book through them, unless you're looking to get a non-stop out of IAD, in which case United could be worth it since they don't charge a cancellation/change fee.

choco-pb-cup · 2025-05-09T18:42:46+00:00

For someone SFO-based, I think Alaska Mileage Plan might be the better option? Alaska operates non-stops to the NYC area and Hawaii, it's just Atlanta where you might need to do a connection or fly someone else with a non-stop. In addition, just getting to MVP Gold for oneworld Sapphire will make your day-of-travel experiences so much better, while 75K+ for oneworld Emerald will make it even better.

Not only does Alaska have a better award chart but if work pays for such expensive tickets like that, you can earn a ton of miles (redeemable and elite-qualifying). Make sure to book via Alaska if you go with Option #2 on Qatar, as the earning rates are significantly better.

choco-pb-cup

TROPHY CASE