Well, I guess it’s review trip “season,” because I’m heading out on another review trip shortly, to check out some products that I think y’all will enjoy! I just recently took a trip to Iceland, and then tagged on a fun review trip from there. Now I’m heading back out on the road (or in the skies, I guess!). So you can expect some live updates, and then upon returning home, I’ll publish the full review series from all of these trips.
Given the upcoming holidays, I feel like this is the second to last trip of the year that I’ll manage to squeeze in (with one more between Thanksgiving and Christmas). Let me explain what I have booked so far, in chronological order.
In this post:
I’m first flying PorterReserve on the Embraer E195-E2
I’m kicking off the trip with a product I’ve been curious about for some time. Canada’s Porter Airlines has massively expanded in recent years, including operating Embraer E195-E2s on transborder flights. So I’m starting the trip by flying PorterReserve, the carrier’s premium product, from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Montreal (YUL).
This is the carrier’s premium product, and think of it as basically being an extra legroom seating option with improved service (even though Porter has very high service standards already). I can’t wait to give the airline a try, as I last flew with Porter when it was an all-turboprop operator.
By the way, this is such a spectacular use of Alaska Atmos Rewards points — we’re talking just 10,000 points for a one-way premium cabin ticket!
Then I’m flying Air France’s Boeing 787-9 business class
From Montreal, I’ll by flying Air France’s Boeing 787-9 business class to Paris (CDG). Okay, I’ve flown Air France business class many times before (on the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER, etc.), so why am I flying the airline again? Well, several reasons.
For one, I haven’t flown the Air France Dreamliner in many years, so I think it’s time to see how that product is holding up, since it’s a different seat than on Air France’s other planes. Second, I’m curious to check out Air France’s new business class bedding, which was recently rolled out. Third, it gets me where I need to go, with interesting segments on both ends. Fourth, there was actually saver award availability!
Lastly (and perhaps most importantly, at least to me), I have Flying Blue Platinum status, and my status qualification period ends in a couple of weeks, and I’m a small number of XPs short of requlaifying for status. So by purchasing sustainable aviation fuel for the flight, I’ll get the XPs required to get me over the edge, and to keep the status.
Next I’m flying Aircalin’s Airbus A330-900neo business class
Okay, here’s a really fun one. From Paris, I’ll be flying Aircalin’s Airbus A330-900neo business class to Bangkok (BKK). How fun is that?! For those not familiar, Aircalin is the airline of New Caledonia, and the airline has greatly adjusted its route network in recent times, now flying between Paris and Noumea with a stop in Bangkok.
So I’m taking the first segment of the journey, which I managed to book in business class with Flying Blue miles. I’ve been wanting to fly Aircalin for so long, so I can’t wait to finally check this out!!
I’m returning in Thai Airways’ Boeing 787-9 business class
From Bangkok, I’ll make my way back to the United States, but via Europe. I’ll be flying Thai Airways’ Boeing 787-9 business class to Milan (MXP), as that’s the only European route operated by that specific plane, which has what I’d argue is Thai’s best business class product.
I haven’t flown Thai’s long haul business class in a long time, and I managed to book this as part of a larger itinerary, where I’m paying just 87,500 Air Canada Aeroplan points to fly from Asia to the United States via Europe. You can’t beat that value, eh?! These redemptions used to be so common for me back in the day, but with how award availability has evolved, it’s tougher than in the past, so this got me downright giddy.
I’m finishing with SWISS’ Airbus A350-900 business class
For the final portion of my trip, I’ll be flying SWISS’ brand new Airbus A350-900 business class from Zurich (ZRH) to Boston (BOS). This plane recently entered commercial service, and I’m looking forward to being among the first people to experience this on a long haul flight. It features the new SWISS Senses experience, based on the Lufthansa Allegris concept.
Quite honestly, this segment is what motivated the entire trip. When I saw award availability on this sector, I figured “okay, I have to review this.” And then I worked backwards. “Well, if I’m redeeming Aeroplan points from Europe to the United States, I might as well originate in Asia, since it’s a better value.” And that’s how the whole trip planning started.
The hotels I’m staying at on this trip
I do have a few hotel stays on this trip, so what do I have planned? Truth be told, I have so many of these Amex Platinum $300 hotel credits to burn through, which are ideal for one night stays, so I’m more focused on luxury properties than anything, given the good value available on short stays:
- In Montreal, I’ll be spending a night at the Four Seasons, which I’ve heard great things about, and which is regarded as the best hotel in the city
- In Paris, I actually potentially have a couple of nights (but maybe not — more on that in a separate post); should I review the Park Hyatt again, check out Hyatt’s Hotel du Louvre, stay at Hilton LXR’s SAX Paris, or check out one of Marriott’s Luxury Collection options (Hotel de Berri or Prince de Galles)?
- In Bangkok, I’m leaning toward staying at the Ritz-Carlton, though I’m open to other ideas for points properties (I’ve reviewed the Park Hyatt and Waldorf Astoria in the past); I’d like to return to Bangkok again soon for a proper visit, so I’m saving the Aman, Capella, and Four Seasons, for when I go with Ford
Bottom line
I just planned another review trip, where I’ll be flying a variety of products that have been on my list. I’ll be experiencing Porter’s E195-E2 PorterReserve, Air France’s 787-9 business class, Aircalin’s A330-900neo business class, Thai Airways’ 787-9 business class, and SWISS’ A350-900 business class.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for live updates! Then when I return home, I’ll have a lot of full review series to publish!
Any predictions for how these flights will go, and any thoughts on hotels?
Sounds great, Lucky! Look forward to your reports.
I really don't think the Four Seasons is the best hotel in Montreal. Lots wrong with it. Lobby too small and crowded. Not particular good breakfast. Rooms small, with massive bathrooms. Gym is spectacular though. It's almost exhibit A in FS's over expansion.
Not a patch on the Ritz Carlton around the corner.
I would love to see Hotel du Louvre since it's always so overshadowed by the PH. The new LXR would admittedly be quite timely though.
The Siam is the place to stay in Bangkok.
For your Paris stay, why not review a hotel part of The Leading Hotels of the World, whose Sterling Status you now hold as a Platinum Card member, instead of staying with the usual suspects? Since it's a recent added benefit, you can see how that stacks up to Marriott and Hilton status benefits.
You might run into an issue with buying SAF for the XPs on an award ticket with AF-KLM. At least in the past, when flying on an award ticket you could buy SAF but no bonus XP were credited.
PLEASE stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bangkok in a Club Room (a cert from the Ritz-Carlton Card? It's not like you need all 3). I want you to go first, so I can see how much it hurts.
"Area not developed"? It's across the street from Lumphini park, where you can jog in the morning with locals, or saunter among lagoons with monitor lizards lazily greeting you, or look over the bridge at the turtles. It's...
PLEASE stay at the Ritz-Carlton Bangkok in a Club Room (a cert from the Ritz-Carlton Card? It's not like you need all 3). I want you to go first, so I can see how much it hurts.
"Area not developed"? It's across the street from Lumphini park, where you can jog in the morning with locals, or saunter among lagoons with monitor lizards lazily greeting you, or look over the bridge at the turtles. It's in the new ONE Bangkok complex, which includes an Andaz and endless shopping and dining, including a Sushiro! It's right on Wireless Road.
Among my luxe stays, though, my favourite is The Sukhothai, which is SLH, bookable with Hilton points. It's just different, better. Kinda bling-free, old-money luxury. It's also in the GHA Discovery portfolio. They recognized my Hilton Gold a year ago and upgraded us to Executive Room whose bathroom was the largest I've ever experienced in a hotel. The breakfast was epic.
I'm comparing to SO/Bangkok, Athenée, St Regis, each of which I've stayed at, for at least 4 nights. Loved them all but for atmosphere, Sukhothai was the most satisfying.
No DenB, our favourite is The Peninsula, Bangkok …. :-)
Rosewood Bangkok should also be on the list of Bangkok must visits in my book.
"I have so many of these Amex Platinum $300 hotel credits to burn through..."
That's a good problem to have, Ben.
P2 and I have 4 Amex Platinum between us, so there's 4 nights (every six months), and we each CSRs, so there's 4 more nights (every six months), and Citi Strata Elites, 4 more nights (annually)... Then there are all the co-branded cards (Brilliant, Aspire, Hyatt, IHG, etc.) Feels like one month of the year is basically covered by hotels, whether we need it or not.
The Kimpton Maa-Lai in Bangkok is nice and can be booked through FHR!
I came to this website because of the flight reviews and therefore look forward to all of those to come.
As for the click-bait banter …. forget it.
You can also just simply ignore posts, comments, ads, etc., that you don't like.
Oh! Dear me, why did I not think of such droll, trolls response?
@AeroB13a
Here we go again with Tim's BA alter ego crying about crap.
What isn't a clickbait to you?
What do you even want.
Ben praising BA or Delta based on SkyTrax rating 24/7?
Just start your own blog at this point, instead of disturbing the majority of readers who are satisfied and grateful for Ben's contents.
I really am terribly distraught to be upsetting the OMAAT trolls …. on second thoughts …. perhaps I am telling fibs, just like a cheap Japanese watch ….
One thing I’m not telling fibs about is that your trolling activities must be putting a huge strain on your brain cell Mason. It must have been very taxing for you having to copy and paste all 8 lines of gobbledygook which you have posted …. :-)
I mean, I'm pretty sure nobody is telling you to come and post these pointless comments every time when you can just ignore...
Absolutely NS, both Mason and 1990 could “Ignore “ the comments of others and yet they persist in upsetting you …. poor dear.
No AeroB13a, I meant YOU.
Now that is so typical NS, too lazy to address your comments appropriately, then, even forgetting your own advice. Dear, dear, whatever is this website to suffer next? …. :-)
You people are so funny ….
I like Le Meridien in Bangkok. Create staff and lounge on top floor. And convenient to take train from airport - just one change of airport train to subway. While not super luxury - rooms look as good or better than your picture of the Ritz room.
Breakfast can be either lounge or restaurant - but restaurant is very large with lots of international food items to choose from in addition to US breakfast items.
And great location as well for a traveler like you.
Finally Thai business class review returns. I would've loved to see their A320 business class too though.
You said that you'll fly Thai again when their new A321neos are in service, so I'll look forward for that.
Finally glad to see Aircalin. I just wish you flew it all the way to the South Pacific!
Now Aircalin is out of the way, some other airlines I would love to see would be United's Island Hopper of course, Air Niugini, Solomon Airlines, Royal Brunei (which you haven't done in a long while), Lao Airlines, Cambodia Airways
I wanted to fly the SWISS a350 but it wasn’t feasible to position in BOS from IAH. I predict moderate to severe turbulence at some point on your trip. Bon voyage.
You might want to stay at the Okura Prestige in Bangkok, which is a very good hotel. Or the Standard, which now belongs to Hyatt, would also be great which is in the Mahanakhon Tower.
I love that you got AirCalin. I'd appreciate a Hotel Du Louvre review. Your last couple Paris reviews have been hotels beyond most of our range, which is fine, but it would be nice to balance it with the type of stay a lot of your readers may have using Hyatt points at an accessible property
Same I also would appreciate Hotel Du Louvre review. Park Hyatt Paris is reviewed by everyone.
This sounds like an enjoyable trip! I’m especially looking forward to hearing about Aircalin, an airline close to my heart - my first two flights as a child were on a Qantas Boeing 747 and an Air Calédonie International Sud Caravelle.
How will you be travelling from MXP to ZRH? Swiss (operated by Helvetic on an E-Jet or airBaltic on an A220) or Ethiopian on an A350-900?
Thinkng of Aircalin, have you considered a review...
This sounds like an enjoyable trip! I’m especially looking forward to hearing about Aircalin, an airline close to my heart - my first two flights as a child were on a Qantas Boeing 747 and an Air Calédonie International Sud Caravelle.
How will you be travelling from MXP to ZRH? Swiss (operated by Helvetic on an E-Jet or airBaltic on an A220) or Ethiopian on an A350-900?
Thinkng of Aircalin, have you considered a review trip into Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands?
V/F
Was wondering the same. Would be so cool if it was the Ethiopian A350
*evil laugh* Muahahahaha, this is the kind of crazy OMAAT silliness we’ve been missing. Can’t wait to hear why you may or may not have extra time in Paris!
Did not like the Ritz Carlton BKK - area is not fully developed and the hotel continues to have teething problems. Why not the Capella BKK which has won many awards and is highly rated?
Paris: Hotel de Berri would be an interesting choice - its pretty eccentric!
@Ben Swiss Senses/LH Allegris First are now bookable with miles but like AF La Premiere restricted to Miles&More Senators & HON Circle. Also upgrades are possible.
See if you can somehow snag one of those 3 seats for your flight to Boston.
Hi Ben. I'm an Ivorian reader. Do you still have any plans to test Air Côte d'Ivoires A339s?
@ Air Côte d'Ivoire Fan -- Standby for my follow-up post! :p
Thanks ben