Review: Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge London

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Planning & Booking II
Washington Dulles (IAD) Lounge Hopping
United Airlines 777-200 Global First Washington to London
United Arrivals Lounge London
Andaz London Liverpool Street
Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge London
Etihad Airways A380 First Class Apartment London to Abu Dhabi
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways Premium Lounge Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways A380 First Class Apartment Abu Dhabi to New York
American Express Centurion Lounge LGA

We received a text that our Etihad Chauffer had arrived and made our way outside the Andaz where we found our driver waiting.  I'll have a full review next week around the Etihad Chauffeur service including how we communicated with dispatch and drivers while traveling internationally.

Early morning walk to Liverpool Station

The drive to Heathrow took almost 80 minutes in morning rush hour.  We pulled up to terminal 4 which hosts a hodge-podge of airlines.  

Etihad Dreamliner display at LHR

Review: United Arrivals Lounge London

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Planning & Booking II
Washington Dulles (IAD) Lounge Hopping
United Airlines 777-200 Global First Washington to London
United Arrivals Lounge London
Andaz London Liverpool Street
Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge London
Etihad Airways A380 First Class Apartment London to Abu Dhabi
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways Premium Lounge Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways A380 First Class Apartment Abu Dhabi to New York
American Express Centurion Lounge LGA

Terminal 2 at London's Heathrow Airport is really something.  It is after all, The Queen's Terminal. 

Our bags were out in less than 10 minutes and were soon in the arrivals hall.  It took us a minute to find the arrivals lounge...as you exit, make a left and look for the signage on the wall.  We didn't see any signage on the overhead signs.

Entrance to the LHR Arrivals Lounge in Terminal 2

We were quickly admitted and the lounge attendant asked if we'd like a shower.  Yes was the answer.  They offered to store our larger bags while we showered/ate which was greatly appreciated.  

Review: Washington Dulles Lounge Hopping

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Planning & Booking II
Washington Dulles (IAD) Lounge Hopping
United Airlines 777-200 Global First Washington to London
United Arrivals Lounge London
Andaz London Liverpool Street
Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge London
Etihad Airways A380 First Class Apartment London to Abu Dhabi
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways Premium Lounge Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways A380 First Class Apartment Abu Dhabi to New York
American Express Centurion Lounge LGA

After an easy flight from Denver, we landed at Washington's Dulles airport around 4:30PM.  Our flight to London was scheduled to boarded around 9:15 so we had nearly 5 hours to work/eat/drink/shower before boarding.  We deplaned and took the train over to the B concourse and the Lufthansa Senator lounge.  I lived in the DC area for a few years before moving to Denver and this was my first time on the IAD train.  While I still enjoy the people movers, the train is so much more efficient.  The walk from the train stop to the Lufthansa lounge took maybe 5 minutes. 

IAD train

Boarding passes were scanned and we entered the lounge.  Lufthansa actually has two lounges at this location - a Senator lounge and a Business Class lounge.  

Lufthansa IAD lounge entrance

Review: Singapore Airlines The Private Room

Introduction
Planning & Booking
American Express Centurion Lounge DFW
Emirates A380 First Class Dallas to Dubai
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Dubai
Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai
Emirates 777-300ER First Class Dubai to Male
Transfer to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Resort & Park Villa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Water Villa
Transfer to Male
Singapore Airlines 777-200ER Business Class Male to Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Singapore Airlines The Private Room Singapore
Singapore Changi Airport 
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Singapore to Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Hong Kong to San Francisco

Arriving at the first class check-in facility in Singapore is pretty awesome.  The cab pulls in and instantly there are multiple people surrounding you.  Opening doors, grabbing bags, confirming that you obtained everything from the cab, and then escorting you into the beautifully appointed facility.

Singapore Airlines First Class Check-In

Orchids

Check-In desk on the right

Review: Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai

Introduction
Planning & Booking
American Express Centurion Lounge DFW
Emirates A380 First Class Dallas to Dubai
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Dubai
Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai
Emirates 777-300 First Class Dubai to Male
Transfer to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Resort & Park Villa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Water Villa
Transfer to Male
Singapore Airlines 777-200ER Business Class Male to Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Singapore Airlines The Private Room Singapore
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Singapore to Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Hong Kong to San Francisco

The drive from Al Maha to DXB took around 40 minutes in light traffic.  It was early on Saturday morning when we pulled up to Emirates premium check-in at DXB's massive (and awesome) Terminal 3.  The premium check-in experience isn't really that in my opinion.  It's massive in scale, there's an enclosed porte-cochere with exhaust from idle engines and tons of people running around.  Nothing like the Singapore Airlines First Class check-in at Changi or Lufthansa's First Class Terminal in Frankfurt.  Definitely an area where Emirates can/should step up their game.

Emirates First Class Lounge DXB Entrance

We were happy to get inside and quickly made our way to the first class check-in desks where we were assisted with very little words and zero smile.  Perhaps due to the fact that it was early on a Saturday.  Bags checked to Male and boarding passes issued, we walked down the corridor to the dedicated first/business immigration and security.  I missed taking a picture of the business class check-in section...there must have been 100 desks.  Emirates really does "connect the world."  Unbelievable.

Which flight is Jennifer Aniston on?

Review: Amex Centurion Lounge DFW

Introduction
Planning & Booking
American Express Centurion Lounge DFW
Emirates A380 First Class Dallas to Dubai
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Dubai
Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai
Emirates 777-300 First Class Dubai to Male
Transfer to Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Resort & Park Villa
Park Hyatt Maldives - Water Villa
Transfer to Male
Singapore Airlines 777-200ER Business Class Male to Singapore
Grand Hyatt Singapore
Singapore Airlines The Private Room Singapore
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Singapore to Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class Hong Kong to San Francisco

After dropping Perry off for her vacation Tuesday evening, we finished packing and went to bed as early as possible for our 3AM wake up call.  We caught the 5AM American Airlines flight to DFW which was completely uneventful.  We landed a little before 8AM and made our way over to Terminal D and to the Centurion lounge which is located on the upper level near gate D-17.  We didn't check bags on the way out so transferring was a quick walk and an Airtrain ride.

American Express Centurion DFW

We had visited this Centurion outpost before on our way to Istanbul.  I'd say this one is the best in the system (I've visited SFO, LAS, LGA, and DFW) given the spa.  Access to the lounge is complimentary for Amex Platinum and Black Card holders.  A day pass is $50 for all other Amex cardholders.

Centurion DFW Entrance

We made our way to the far end of the lounge - through the buffet and bar to the area with a handful of chaise loungers.  The loungers were all occupied so we set ourselves up at the one of the tables for breakfast.

Centurion DFW loungers with a terminal view

The 2+ hours we spent in the lounge flew by.  We grabbed some breakfast (food is excellent, btw) and had a couple of cappuccinos while catching up on work/email before the flight.

Centurion DFW Bar

Centurion DFW Buffet

Emily visited the spa for a manicure prior to our departure where you can choose (complimentary) from a few different treatments.  I took a quick shower to prepare for the flight where I would take yet another shower.

At T-50 we headed down to concourse to stretch our legs and watch the fashion show our Emirates crew board the aircraft.

Coming down the runway

Up close

We're rarely in Dallas but if we are, we're headed to the Centurion.  It's among the best lounges in the US and the food, bar, and spa provided a great start to what was a phenomenal longhaul flight to Dubai.

Review: Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Hong Kong

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Qantas First Class Lounge LAX
Cathay Pacific 777-300 ER First Class Los Angeles to Hong Kong
The Pier Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
Le Meridien Bangkok
Thai Airways First Class Lounge & Spa
Thai Airways 747-400 First Class Bangkok to Hong Kong
Conrad Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Hong Kong
Air India 787-8 Business Class Hong Kong to Seoul
Asiana First Class Lounge Seoul
Asiana A380 First Class Seoul to Los Angeles

After a great few days in Hong Kong, we woke up early to begin the long journey home.  It was a holiday in Hong Kong so it actually took 10 minutes to grab a taxi at 5AM.  We arrived at HKG around 5:45 and made our way to Air India check-in.  It was a little hard to find as the contract agents were still getting setup when we arrived.  But once open, we were both checked in and issued boarding passes in a couple of minutes.  The agents had no problem checking our bags all the way to Los Angeles where Jonathan would grab his car to drive to San Diego and I would pick up a United domestic flight to Denver.

Compared to our experience in The Pier, the lounge situation wasn't great.  But I figured this would be a good opportunity to check out a new lounge and then we could explore the terminal a bit.  There are several Star Alliance options when flying through HKG (Thai, United, Singapore) with the Singapore lounge being the newest.  

It took awhile to find the lounge given that it's located pretty close to security vs. the other lounges being further into the concourse.  Once inside, we were warmly welcomed into the lounge and checked in.  I found it ironic that we were in Hong Kong, flying Air India to South Korea, and entering a Singapore Airlines lounge.  While it's a big world, it certainly is a connected on.  And Airline alliances are pretty cool.

The space was deserted but quickly filled up once Singapore's service from San Francisco (continuing on to Singapore) arrived.

Too early for a cocktail

Review: Conrad Hong Kong

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Qantas First Class Lounge LAX
Cathay Pacific 777-300 ER First Class Los Angeles to Hong Kong
The Pier Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
Le Meridien Bangkok
Thai Airways First Class Lounge & Spa
Thai Airways 747-400 First Class Bangkok to Hong Kong
Conrad Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Hong Kong
Air India 787-8 Business Class Hong Kong to Seoul
Asiana First Class Lounge Seoul
Asiana A380 First Class Seoul to Los Angeles

We arrived at the Conrad around 9PM tired and ready to crash.  We were checked in promptly and the hotel benefits were recapped while keys were made.  Given my Hilton Honors Gold Status, we were provided executive lounge access (score!) and free premium internet.

Review: Thai Airways First Class Lounge & Spa

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Qantas First Class Lounge LAX
Cathay Pacific 777-300 ER First Class Los Angeles to Hong Kong
The Pier Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
Le Meridien Bangkok
Thai Airways First Class Lounge & Spa
Thai Airways 747-400 First Class Bangkok to Hong Kong
Conrad Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Hong Kong
Air India 787-8 Business Class Hong Kong to Seoul
Asiana First Class Lounge Seoul
Asiana A380 First Class Seoul to Los Angeles

We arrived at BKK three hours prior to our scheduled departure to Hong Kong after a quick and inexpensive ($12 USD) cab ride .  It was a weekday afternoon and the airport was relatively quiet.  We made our way into the terminal and turned left - all the way to the end of the main hall where Thai Airways First Class check in is located.  There was no one in line and we were very politely asked to have a seat and presented with cold towels and iced tea while check-in formalities were processed.  

Thai Airways First Class Check-In

A few minutes later, boarding passes and lounge invitations were handed over and the agents were kind enough to snap a few pictures of us before escorting us through immigration.  

Brothers in Asia - the agents moved the umbrellas for the pic

Review: The Pier Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Qantas First Class Lounge LAX
Cathay Pacific 777-300 ER First Class Los Angeles to Hong Kong
The Pier Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
Le Meridien Bangkok
Thai Airways First Class Lounge & Spa
Thai Airways 747-400 First Class Bangkok to Hong Kong
Conrad Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Hong Kong
Air India 787-8 Business Class Hong Kong to Seoul
Asiana First Class Lounge Seoul
Asiana A380 First Class Seoul to Los Angeles

After clearing transit security, we made our way to The Wing for a quick shower.  While The Wing is totally awesome, I was excited to check out The Pier which had just opened a few days earlier.  The shower felt great and I caught up on email while rehydrating and downing yet another cappuccino.  We still had a few hours to go until our flight to Bangkok so we made our way down to The Pier.

The Hallway at The Pier

Our boarding passes were scanned and we were shown into the lounge. WOW.  My new favorite lounge at HKG.

Review: Qantas First Class Lounge LAX

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Qantas First Class Lounge LAX
Cathay Pacific 777-300 ER First Class Los Angeles to Hong Kong
The Pier Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
Le Meridien Bangkok
Thai Airways First Class Lounge & Spa
Thai Airways 747-400 First Class Bangkok to Hong Kong
Conrad Hong Kong
Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Hong Kong
Air India 787-8 Business Class Hong Kong to Seoul
Asiana First Class Lounge Seoul
Asiana A380 First Class Seoul to Los Angeles

After a quick (and totally acceptable) overnight at the Sheraton Gateway LAX, we woke up around 6AM for our 9:40 AM departure.  We showered, packed, and headed downstairs to find the hotel shuttle bus waiting for us.  We arrived at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) around 6:45 which was perfect timing since Cathay's check in desk opens 3 hours prior to departure.  Check in was efficient and the agent was extremely friendly.  She was able to move our seats so that we had a window and an aisle (vs. two aisles).

The airport was absolutely dead and even without pre-check we were both airside within 5 minutes.  This was my first time departing from TBIT and I was blown away.  The airport is gorgeous.  Great to see in the US.

TBIT Departure Hall

More TBIT Departures

Brothers in Asia: Introduction

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Sheraton Gateway LAX
Cathay Pacific 777-300 ER First Class Los Angeles to Hong Kong
The Wing Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
Cathay Pacific A330 Business Class Hong Kong to Bangkok
Le Meridien Bangkok
Thai Airways First Class Lounge & Spa
Thai Airways 747-400 First Class Bangkok to Hong Kong
Conrad Hong Kong
Air India 787-8 Business Class Hong Kong to Seoul
Asiana A380 First Class Seoul to Los Angeles

I have one more post to write about our trip to Europe which I will try to complete this week.  Next weekend, I'm mixing it up travel companion wise and taking my brother Jonathan (who lives in San Diego) to Asia for the week.  He turned 30 late last year and has never flow international first class or been to Asia and we both figured this would be a good time to check both of his list.  Emily and I have now flown 11 international first class segments together - it is going to be fun to show someone else the ropes.

There are so many places to see in Asia it is sometimes hard to decide where to go.  I wanted to head to cities that I had been to previously but also places that I considered my favorites.  So naturally Bangkok and Hong Kong fir the bill.  Once we had destinations picked out, I set about finding award flights for both of us.  With enough miles to go roundtrip on either Star Alliance or OneWorld carriers, we had plenty of flexibility.  But it was actually tricky to find an outbound flight leaving on Sunday from LAX to Asia so we settled on a Monday morning outbound.  That will give us a couple of days in Bangkok and 3 days in Hong Kong.

Our routing courtesy of the Great Circle Mapper

This actually worked out great as I will get a couple of days in San Diego and LA visiting family before overnighting in LA and leaving the next morning.  I was able to secure a couple of first class seats on Cathay Pacific's direct service from LAX to Hong Kong.  A great first experience for my brother as Cathay's first class is one of my favorite products.  We'll also make sure to check out the Qantas OneWorld First Class lounge at LAX which is supposed to be spectacular.

After our flight from LAX, we have a few hours to clean up and chill at The Wing.  Cathay's new first class lounge (The Pier) is slated to open prior to our departure so I hope to check that out as well.  After a quick hop to Bangkok, we'll start our adventure at the Le Meridien Bangkok.  Emily and I stayed here during our honeymoon and loved the hotel.  I'm excited to see what's changed over the past few years.

The bar at The Wing Hong Kong

Getting back to Hong Kong was hard.  Well it was easy but there are lots of fun ways to fly.  We could have paid cash (~$650 each) to fly Emirates first class and shower at 35,000 feet.  But I decided to forego the cash, use miles, and fly Thai's 747 first class service which will get us an hour long massage in the Royal Orchid Spa prior to departure.

In Hong Kong, I've previously stayed at the W and Grand Hyatt and wanted to check out something different.  So we have three nights booked at the Conrad Hong Kong.

After exploring all that Hong Kong has to offer, we'll head home on Air India (can't wait for this one) to Seoul followed by Asiana's A380 suites service to LAX.  I'm really excited to fly Asiana again - our last trip was awesome.  It will be Jonathan's first time on the A380 (also first time on the 747) which should be fun for both of us.

I am really looking forward to this trip - will post the Planning & Booking segment prior to our departure.  Thanks for following along!!

Review: British Airways Concorde Room LHR (2015)

Introduction
Planning & Booking
British Airways 747-400 First Class Denver to London
British Airways Concorde Room LHR
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Andaz Amsterdam
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome
Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class Frankfurt to JFK

Once off the plane, we took the train to the main pier of terminal 5 and clear transit security.  There was a fast track line but it seemed longer than the regular line.  10 minutes and a couple of pat downs later, we were back in the terminal searching for the Concorde Room.  It wasn't the easiest lounge to find.  Down a set of escalators, to the far end of the terminal, back up another set of escalators...and we had arrived.

BA tails on the way to the gate

The lounge "dragon" who looked at our boarding passes on the way in pointed us towards the Galleries lounge (business class and alliance first class passengers) and said we could not enter the Concorde Room.  I knew she was wrong and pushed...and she relented.  It didn't hurt that we already had a cabana reservation and could prove it.

Review: The Wing First Class Lounge

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class San Francisco to Hong Kong
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
The Bridge Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge
Cathay Pacific A330 Business Class Hong Kong to Taipei
W Taipei
Cathay Pacific 777 Business Class Taipei to Hong Kong
The Wing Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
Cathay Pacific 777-300 ER First Class Hong Kong to Los Angeles

Upon landing in Hong Kong, we headed to The Bridge for some coffee and plane spotting.  I previously reviewed The Bridge in this trip report series so won't go into much more detail than that.  After an hour or so in the The Bridge, we headed back into the terminal and made our way to The Wing.  The lounge is located on the opposite end of the terminal as The Bridge so it's a bit of a hike.  But it felt great to stretch our legs knowing we still had a lot of traveling to do.

Not a bad walk from The Bridge to The Wing

I have read numerous reviews of The Wing but it was still a bit hard to find despite the fantastic signage in the airport.  When we found the entrance, we were warmly greeted and welcomed into the gorgeous space.  I love the look of this lounge - black lacquer, white marble, and red and brown leather make for a super sexy combo.

Ground floor entrance to The Wing

This way to The Cabanas

Review: The Bridge Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge

Introduction
Planning & Booking
Singapore Airlines 777-300ER First Class San Francisco to Hong Kong
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
The Bridge Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge
Cathay Pacific A330 Business Class Hong Kong to Taipei
W Taipei
Cathay Pacific 777-300ER Business Class Taipei to Hong Kong
The Wing Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge
Cathay Pacific 777-300 ER First Class Hong Kong to Los Angeles

We left the Grand Hyatt a bit on the early side to ensure plenty of time to explore HKG.  This was also our first time flying Cathay Pacific and we wanted to lounge hop a bit.  Our cab driver dropped us off and since Emily had done way too much sopping in Hong Kong, he grabbed us a cart and loaded all of our luggage for us.

We found the business class check in counters where there was actually a bit of a line.  We waited for maybe five minutes before our check in was processed.  We received our boarding passes and lounge invitations and we were on our way to security and immigration.  Unfortunately, Hong Kong stopped stamping passports in 2014 so there would be no "stamp collecting" this morning.  We took the train to the far end of the concourse and made our way down the escalator to "The Bridge" which is Cathay's newly remodeled business class lounge.

Entrance to The Bridge at HKG

Review: Singapore Airlines The Private Room

Introduction

Planning & Booking

Sheraton JFK Hilton JFK Conrad New York

Asiana 777 First Class Suite New York to Seoul

Asiana First Class Lounge Seoul Incheon

Asiana 767 Business Class Seoul to Bangkok

Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport

Thai Airways Business Class Lounge & Royal Orchid Spa Bangkok

Thai Airways 777 Business Class Bangkok to Bali

Four Seasons Bali at Sayan

St. Regis Bali Resort

Exploring Bali

Singapore Airlines 777 Business Class Bali to Singapore

Conrad Singapore

Exploring Singapore

Singapore Airlines The Private Room

Singapore Airlines A380 Suites Class Singapore to Los Angeles

We woke up around 6:30 AM and finished packing before heading out to grab a cab to the airport.  It was Sunday morning and it took around 15 minutes to actually get a cab with the hotel's assistance.  I was about to pull the trigger on an Uber but was glad I didn't since the cab (~$17 USD) cost about a third of the price.

Singapore Airlines First Class Check-In

We informed the driver that we were headed to the dedicated first class check-in facility at T3 and we were on our way.  When we arrived, there were half a dozen people outside waiting to grab our bags and escort us into the facility.  Once check-in was completed, we were handed boarding passes and lounge invitations and pointed in the direction of fast track immigration.  Last time we were here we were escorted all the way to the immigration line but not this time.  Certainly not a big deal as the terminal was quiet.