I’ve flown some nice cabins in the past, but what I have booked for my current trip should be the best of all my previous trips. They are what many would consider to be “aspirational” flights (and hence my reference to a dream trip) that people usually reserve for special occasions. I was able to work these flights in on the way to and from a wedding I’m attending, and I think I did a decent job.
What better way to get there than in Singapore Airlines’ A380 Suites Class? I put off taking this flight for quite some time, and having just flown this a few days ago I can honestly say I can’t believe I waited that long. It was an amazing experience made better by an amazing crew, and it’s one of those bucket list items I can cross off my list (although I’m adding it on again because I just loved it that much). I found award availability because I booked 10 months ahead of time.
On my way home, I again booked 10 months ahead of time but for a slightly different reason. The United devaluation would have nearly doubled the price of the redemption I was making (from 70K to 130K miles), so I initially booked Thai A380 First Class from Bangkok to Frankfurt, then United Airlines Global First from Frankfurt to Chicago…and I did this knowing I didn’t need to be in Chicago for anything.
Instead I decided to take advantage of a trick with booking with United: to book using the old chart and then change my flights when it gets closer to the departure date and as other award flights become available. I was able to switch off United Airlines Global First on to Lufthansa’s First Class from Frankfurt to Vancouver on their 747-400 (the one that has a separate seat and bed). Better still, I worked in a 7 hour layover in Frankfurt and plan to do the Porsche Drive while I’m there to fully take advantage of my experience.
I also added a segment at the end from Vancouver to Las Vegas because I actually do need to be there after this trip. So basically I was able to book 3 First Class cabins, get the amazing Thai First Class ground experience in Bangkok, get the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt, and get to my actual final destination because I planned ahead and continued to check award availability.
I’m not quite halfway done with this trip, but I’m already loving my experience. I’ll be sure to review all of these ones quickly in the next few weeks.
So your current dream trip is to go to Las Vegas?!? Just making sure I understood the title.
As you probably noticed, the “dream trip” part is more about the journey than the destination! I’m actually in Asia for a wedding right now as part of this trip.
Sounds amazing, enjoy.
for the SQ F, did you book 10 months out ? does SQ releases F on close-in ? just like you I book a 10 months out with OZ F in Dec,14 but I dont have anything on the return bc I didnt have any miles last year. I m looking for options to return from BKK-LAX, I ll keep an eye out for the same flight you booked with TG, LH but UA only allows 3 segments to get home.
I booked 9-10 months out for SQ. They don’t typically release any more space close-in – it’s usually just a set number of seats per flight and the rest of the cabin is protected.
OZ availability is MUCH better than SQ so booking 10 months out isn’t always necessary (but never hurts of course). Good luck on finding a good return from BKK!