About the time Korean Air award space became available the news of Starlux flying to a couple Asian destinations in preparation for their A350 service to Los Angeles was announced. Tokyo was one of them. Could I make it work?

Jetblue, American, United and Delta transcons were all attempted during Covid. This one ended up being a go, transcon on B6 from LAX-NYC flying their new A321-neo with Mint Studio seating. It was a great way to get back in the reward flying air.

My first ride on the new A220. The verdict is?

This post inlcudes photos from my trip to the Airbus factory and a visit to the Airbus museum.

While this post is all about the fantastic dining experience in the signature British Airways lounge, I was very impressed by the service on the 45 minute Club Europe flight.

This would be my third attempt to fly Singapore Airlines new 787-10. Spoiler alert: fantastic aircraft, unforced error by SQ for avgeeks who love the 787 windows.

Then it was back to the airport to try and convince the First Class Pier Lounge gatekeeper to grant me access.

I did find a steal business class fare on Hong Kong Airlines for $178. And it was on an A350. Sign me up.

Sure it’s only a little over an hour flight so you don’t get the full treatment, but I must say the treatment on an Asian airline for an hour flight is far different from the treatment on an hour long US Domestic flight.

Having flown ANA’s 787 with their regional recliner seat, as well as their 777 with the staggered business class seat, I was anxious to try the newer staggered seat for the 787-9 series.

On October 1st, 2018 United announced the inaugural flight of their new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. Without much contemplation I decided I wanted to be on this flight.

The 30 Super Diamond business class seats are all located in the front cabin before door 2.

Nevertheless I’ve wanted to experience the 2 787 models that American flies. This gave me the opportunity to “kill two birds” with one 25,000 saver award ticket.

A Singapore Airlines agent met me at the jetway and escorted me to the combined Singapore First and Business class lounge which was across the hall from our arrival gate.

The day began with an expectation to fly Singapore’s new A380 round trip to Shanghai, business to and first on the return. It didn’t work out.

Now that I had my fun flying Qantas’ 787-9 to somewhere I didn’t need to go, I had to get to Sydney where the trip home would commenee the following day.

I traded a day in Brisbane for 120 minutes on Qantas’ new 787-9 just to experience this well publicized aircraft. I’m glad I did.

Due to my compulsive desire to tinker with trips, what was once 5 days in Cairns turned into an overnight. I won’t make that mistake again.

I was able to snag a deal and booked it primarily to plane watch before my flight to Cairns, the trip’s original destination.

While Singapore Airlines has numerous direct flights to Bali, I thought it would be fun to try KLM's fifth freedom flight. It was a good decision. 

Reward Flying has reviewed the JAL Sky Suite twice as well as the Shell Flat Neo, so reviewing the Sky Suite III was anticipated. 

Speaking of IFE. The true in-flight entertainment was out the window on this flight!

On a nice day from the domestic terminal over to international is a 15 minute walk. Today a crowded shuttle would take me there for an anticipated first time on the world renowned airline Emirates. 

Finally it was off to Gate 60, just 2 minutes downstairs from the lounge where I met Chip. Chip was standing right in the middle of the boarding area where...

Gorgeous!

UA838 wheels touched SFO's 28R 45 minutes early. AT&T received my login signal immediately. I opened the UA app and....

While the seats were subpar (at least compared to the B777 and A350 planes), China Airlines made amends with a fantastic dinner. 

The only problem taking Lufthansa to Frankfurt then Asiana to Seoul is my destination was Japan.

Two agents sat talking to each other at the counter seemingly with no interest of what was not taking place, boarding. 

I was handed a box. I thought it might be something like a box of chocolates where I'd pick one. I had no idea it was dinner!