Yesterday I shared the news that Etihad will be launching service between Abu Dhabi and Los Angeles as of June 1, 2014. At the time they were only accepting reservations for economy class, though it looks like some updates have been made since then. First of all, the flight won’t be operated by a 777-300ER, but rather by a 777-200LR, which they’re acquiring from Air India. Up until this point I didn’t really see any information on how they were planning on configuring their 777-200LRs, though it has now been confirmed that these planes will feature a first class cabin. Rumor has it they’ll have eight first class seats, 40 business class seats, and 189 economy class seats.
So I’d say it’s a pretty big “win” that the route has first class, not that it’s really surprising. Unfortunately it doesn’t look like they’re started loading any award space yet, though.
@ Kirby -- It wouldn't be since you can't transit a third region with few exceptions, and Europe and Asia via the Middle East isn't one of the exceptions.
@ murtuza -- Only the Conrad Residences is on the list, and not the Conrad as such.
@KG @lucky - Here is the exclusion list for Hilton free Weekend Night and Koh samui is one of them
http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/ProcessLanding/ProcessLanding/?var=0MLsM7Ji2N0WMF+Vm/JHBFvngEDO/auis0vKwpC+WVQ=
Would this be an option to Europe/Asia? I feel like I recall reading that AA prohibits transfer of a 3rd region, but I don't remember for sure.
In addition to the Maldives, this will be a great option for travel from the West Coast to India/
@ KG -- I've actually only been to Phuket once (I've been to Thailand probably a dozen times though there are so many unique areas), and I stayed at the Westin Siray Bay. I probably wouldn't return since it's very "cookie cutter" and not on the beach. If I were to return I'd consider the Sheraton Krabi or the Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort -- both look quite nice.
Also one other question for you Lucky - do you have any recommendations for hotels in Phuket? I saw from your trip reports that you've visited quite often, but didn't know if you had any recommendations. I prefer SPG or Hilton but the prices in Thailand seem very reasonable so wouldn't be opposed to other options either. Unfortunately I cannot afford your grand experiences at Aman type places although they are a lot of fun...
Also one other question for you Lucky - do you have any recommendations for hotels in Phuket? I saw from your trip reports that you've visited quite often, but didn't know if you had any recommendations. I prefer SPG or Hilton but the prices in Thailand seem very reasonable so wouldn't be opposed to other options either. Unfortunately I cannot afford your grand experiences at Aman type places although they are a lot of fun to read about :) Finally, for random questions is there a better place I should post instead of putting it somewhere totally irrelevant like I did this time?
Here is the full list of excluded properties for the weekend night certificate which lists Conrad Koh Samui Residences (but not Koh Samui): HHonors.com/weekendcertificate
Hello Lucky - I recently talked to one Hilton representative who was much more knowledgable. The issue I faced was due to no availability for the ocean front villa (standard room). The only availability was for water front villa. Although I am not totally sure what the difference is they have coded only the ocean front as standard rooms. Finally after the 3rd call I was able to get this information as all previous reps...
Hello Lucky - I recently talked to one Hilton representative who was much more knowledgable. The issue I faced was due to no availability for the ocean front villa (standard room). The only availability was for water front villa. Although I am not totally sure what the difference is they have coded only the ocean front as standard rooms. Finally after the 3rd call I was able to get this information as all previous reps just told me that it was impossible to book at this hotel at all. Thanks for all the help Lucky (and also Elizabeth!).
KG
@ KG -- I believe that the Conrad Koh Samui Residences are excluded, but not the Conrad Koh Samui. The "1 BEDROOM KING OCEAN VIEW POOL VILLA" shows as a standard room reward. Have you checked the HHonors web site for your dates and verified there is a standard room available? If you use the flexible dates search it will come up as 80k per night or 95k per night depending on the season.
@ KG -- Hmm, that's a great question and the first I've heard of it. Really not sure why you couldn't make such a redemption since as you point out many have done it in the past. Not sure if this represents a recent rule change or what. I'll see if I can get any more information on that.
@ Lantean -- The best place to search is on Etihad's website.
OK great, how do we search for awards availability? ANA?
Thank you.
Hello Lucky - I am an avid reader of your blog and really enjoy your content. Sorry that this question is totally unrelated to this article post but I was hoping you could help me. I have received the two Hilton weekend nights with the Reserve Card and was hoping to use them at the Conrad Koh Samui. Today I tried to call to book but they told me that this property was excluded because...
Hello Lucky - I am an avid reader of your blog and really enjoy your content. Sorry that this question is totally unrelated to this article post but I was hoping you could help me. I have received the two Hilton weekend nights with the Reserve Card and was hoping to use them at the Conrad Koh Samui. Today I tried to call to book but they told me that this property was excluded because they have no standard rooms only higher level rooms as their base room. I did a lot of research and seems that many people had success but at the same time I tried to call 3 times and got the same response. What would you recommend I try as a next step.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
KG