I’m not sure whether I should be impressed by how much I’m managing to cram into six days, or whether I should get my head checked for thinking that this itinerary is a good idea. I’ll let y’all decide. One thing’s for sure… I’m already exhausted just thinking about this.
Continue reading: BOOKED: My Wildest Review Trip Yet?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
In Jeddah, Garuda and Etihad depart from different terminals. Etihad from the new terminal 1, while Garuda from the old north terminal. The connection might not be straightforward
Felt like I was back in 2013 reading this. The classic OMAAT blog that we love. Excited for the reviews.
The only difference now is it's titled "am I crazy" whereas back then it was just "next trip..."
@ Andy -- Oh... that's good to know, thank you. Anyone have experience with how to connect between terminals at JED, in light of that?
"Last but not least, I’ll be flying British Airways’ A380 first class from London to Chicago." ... I dunno about that, in comparison to the others BA F will most certainly be least 🙂
I also have a 10mo old son and I wonder how do you travel that much with an infant?
Great to see an upcoming review on CX, but it would've been better if you waited for the Aria Suites. Anywho, don't forget to make your way up the new Sky Bridge. And while you're at it, try to sneak in a review on the Qantas lounge.
@ ryan -- Hah, fair! Though to BA's credit, I imagine it'll be better than Etihad's A321, and probably better than Garuda's 777... maybe?
I'm tired just reading this itinerary. Keep doing it while you're young-ish in your 30s. Once you cross the 40 line it's gets tougher and tougher. Looking forward to reading the trip reports.
@ Katie C -- I'm incredibly fortunate that this blog is how I make a living. So just as other parents have "business trips," I do too, they just look a bit different than your typical one. Ford and our family are happy to stay home with our son on these trips, though I sure do miss them. That's also why I try to make them as quick as possible.
yeah, that's definitely a...unique...routing. one question...how did you book/find CX award availability? ive been trying to book a similar award and curious if i'm wasting my time.
@ AJR -- I booked through Cathay Pacific, as the program was charging 28K points, which isn't bad. Other programs didn't have access to the availability.
Look forward to your thoughts on eva long haul biz. i took it recently and feel it’s degraded in service post pandemic. i think it’s last now behind both CI and Starlux
Looks great and I cannot wait to see it. One thing - make sure you have a long layover at LHR. Getting from Terminal 4 to 5 is not easy.
While it would be cool to see a review of the new Jeddah terminal as well, I am not sure I'd be optimistic Garuda will let you board the flight without a visa for KSA? Even if you're technically transiting, Garuda may not be willing to take the chance.
The whole process doesn't sound promising: https://www.reddit.com/r/Jeddah/comments/16143yx/transit_at_jeddah_airport/
@ Bgriff -- Thanks, hmmm. Sounds like I should maybe apply for an e-visa for Saudi Arabia to be able to transit then? Curious if anyone else has firsthand experience. Appreciate the link.
Hi, Ben. Does the Garuda Indonesia 777 you're flying on have a first class cabin? I'm guessing not, but if so, maybe you could cash-upgrade to first?
How did you book this in business class son miles? I suppose you used partner miles?
@ hanchicago -- Nope, no first class cabin, as business class is the highest cabin. I booked it using Flying Blue miles. It cost 68K miles one-way in business class, which isn't too bad for a 10-hour flight.
You can do a Visa on Arrival with either your US or German Citizenships Ben, if you do need to go landside for any reason. Transit visas are only needed if you're staying 12+ hours, but are cheaper.
https://www.saudiarabiaimmigration.org/news/saudi-visa-on-arrival-streamlining-entry-for-travelers
You inspired me, Ben! Based on your post a few days ago about your upcoming Ethiad A380 first class from AUH to LHR, I searched for AA award space so that I could have my own aspirational Ethiad A380 first class adventure. I was successful! I'm leaving tomorrow on AA from JFK-LHR (using a system wide) then connecting to AUH in the Apartment and doing the reverse on Sunday. I think I'm more excited than when I was 16 and got my driver's license : )
The Private room is a great place for a long layover. Downside is no natural light, it seems dark and of course no view of planes.
The SQ 777 has incredibly uncomfortable seats for sleeping. Extremely wide though so that is a bonus.
Looking forward to the review.
I'd also suggest getting an e-visa for KSA. The process is really simple and straightforward, and I got my approval 10-15 minutes after submitting my application for my U.S. passport.
I've never transited at JED, but I also think it is a possibility that the staff at Garuda might not let you board without a visa for Saudi Arabia. Most people taking that flight are religious tourists, and the staff might not have experience dealing with people who are doing an itinerary like yours. I'd personally go for the e-visa.
The new Terminal 1 at JED is beautiful, and I've heard from many people that it is leaps and bounds better than the old setup. Saudia also has some new lounges in the terminal.
Almost 23k miles (assuming starting from west coast) over 8 segments. A really crazy rtw routing for sure and… I love it (long as I’m not the one flying it)!
"I’m already exhausted just thinking about this"
I trust you on that but we are very happy to read later your reviews 🙂
Thanks for that.
By the way Ben, have you seen this new video of AirCalin?
https://www.travelguys.fr/2023/11/28/air-calin-fete-ses-40-ans-avec-un-film-et-une-nouvelle-signature/
I find it interesting.
Thanks again for your blog.
Do you think your exhaustion from all this flying might color your reviews towards the end? I know I'd personally be more cranky and less forgiving.
I flew Singapore to Jakarta in First in March and had a fantastic time! There’s a full meal on the plane and Krug, too!
First hand experience here.. the North terminal and Terminal 1 are 20km apart and use to have buses that go between the two terminals (prior to last year, not sure if its still existing). You can also take a taxi which should cost ~13 USD. You will need to go through immigration formalities in Saudi regardless of taking a bus or a taxi.
Maybe the transit experience will be like transferring terminals in CAI 😉
Im a big fan of EVA. great service, food and seats. Taipei is a fun city to explore.
I flew Garuda earlier in the month. Bali to Sydney. 40k Virgin Atlantic points. Pretty good deal! Cheaper than flying blue.
Please tell me you plan to leave the airport in Singapore to go eat at some hawker centres? No matter how many times I’ve visited Singapore, going downtown and eating for a few hours on a layover is a must do in one of the best foodie cities on earth 🙂
Would you think about going back to the more unusual airlines, they tend to be more fun review? TAAG was one of the more enjoyable ones, MIAT etc,
Wow, this is going to be fun I can't wait. (but please don't let us wait too long).
I have been reading your blog I think since 2019 but I did go back a lot to read your old stuff and this makes me feel that we are going back quite a few years ago.
Were you able to add your flight from Jeddah to your itinerary from AUH to ORD?
I also think thats how the transit will work. You go landside, take the shuttle bus to terminal 1, and clear immigration again. Make sure to leave a long layover as the terminals are far apart, maybe 15-20 mins by bus / taxi. North terminal is chaotic, but T1 is nice. Immigration in T N might be slow, but will be a breeze in T1.
@ DKB -- I have several "unique" airline reviews planned for early 2024. Stay tuned. 🙂
@ IrishAlan -- Singapore absolutely has amazing food, but I probably won't go into town to eat. Honestly, I'll basically be sitting and eating for six days straight, and that will be enough of a challenge as is, without eating even more on the ground.
@ Super -- I try my best to limit my biases, though I suppose that exhaustion can cloud judgment a bit. We'll see!
Hi @Ben - I’ve applied for the Saudi tourist e-visa online a few times and it’s quick and easy (approval within an hour). That said, for others I know it has taken a little longer, up to 48 hours.
Can also direct message on AA website. I’ve found that the easiest way to book things. Eg Qantas biz or F in that release when awards weren’t showing online.
This is “the good stuff” Ben, and my chance to once again live vicariously through your travels! Love these reviews, thank you.
@ben please stay at the Rosewood in HK, really need a unbiased review of this place!
As I recently found out the hard way, you have to have at least a 6hr layover, or they won’t let you out of Changi. And I think they even recommend 8. You can do the free tour from the airport if you have 5.5, I think.
Ben,
How much was your JED-AUD-LHR-ORD award and how easy was it to set up?
Howard
PS. Would it have been so hard to schedule the odd overnight break in this trip?! I mean for your health - to go for a run or something.
Given this routing, what are the chances you will end up with SSSS on your boarding pass to Chicago? I hope not 🙂
Hardly. Just someone who spends a lot of time in Indonesia diving/snorkeling.
Flown Lion Air and Wings...they suck. Batik was okay but they will arbitrarily change you to other flights and charge you to get back to original. If you cancel, they give you a pittance back after months.
Garuda our go to carrier in Indonesia
Nope... All classes on the BA A380 are not only outdated, they are also FILTHY (Filthy like in sticky residue on the table in F). A friend whom I met by total coincidence on LHR-BOS and who was in Business Class told me of his footrest not staying up and collapsing every time someone spoke loud or sneezed...
This seems a frequent problem with BA planes (and then you tell us that BA cleaning has been reduced at turning-around airports).
The worst example must have been, some years ago, the 4 ex-BA B757s, still in BA colors and operated by "OPENSKIES" between Orly and JFK/Newark which were literally falling apart with dangling overhead bins, broken FC angled beds, non-reclining "Business" seats (plus cockroaches in the loos, I was surprised they were not turned away by the stench). When 2 of those planes were taken over by successor "La Compagnie", they underwent an almost complete refurbishment which at least made them palatable while La Compagnie awaited its A321 "Neo"s.
Let's face it, British Airways often has dirty cabins.
EVA's 777 hard product is a bit lacking compared to today's standards, while I really like the 787.
I recommend trying their "sonata in the air" mocktail. It's a pretty simple but tasty one.
Would also be nice to see a review of "The Club" lounge in TPE, which used to be accessible only to EVA's own frequent flyers but now seems to be used for Star Alliance gold as well. Just with limited business hours unfortunately.
I don't expect very much given the rather poor other EVA lounges at TPE (at least for a homebase) but might at least be a bit less crowded during rush hour.
Patty thanks for the update, perhaps a more appropriate comments would have been:
I fly Garuda business class often and have been very pleased with it COMPARED TO THE OTHER INDONESIAN AIR CARRIERS.
I'm not even sure how that works, because you don't need special permission to leave Changi airport.
Back to the good Ole days. . Please roll out the reviews one after the other. No need for the little preview posts. Keep up the good work
Actually, compared to a lot of airlines,including those in the US, I've been pleased.
But thank you for suggesting how I should make my comments in here.
I instead made a call to Hong Kong AC call center. The wait time was about 10 - 15 mins during business hours. However, their call center can't handle any award booking and asked me to call US and Canada.
Are you staying in Jakarta at all? If you are, I highly recommend Park Hyatt Jakarta - a real value for Globalist - albeit with an inconvenient location.
Excited for the reviews!
Looks like Garuda's champagne offerings aren't that great, even in first class based on this recent report: https://youtu.be/DJRlSChM9r8?si=tLF0zOxmQLD4gAKb
This gives me 2016-2018 vibes back when you were really going nuts with the review travel. Excited to read it.
I confirm that it indeed is this way, as you are not allowed entry into Singapore if you have an onward ticket. I think this is due to transfer passengers having checked baggage. On a side note, even though I am resident of Singapore, I was not allowed back into the country after having cleared immigration for a departure (I wanted to greet an exiting passenger), so I confirm there are restrictions to entry for several cases.
I sleep great in SQ777 F. What is your challenge with them? Maybe you need to drink more?
Very excited to read the upcoming review as it 1) feels like a throwback (and yes, many of us who have been longtime readers have also started families, and so on), and 2) I've got a TPE trip coming up in March that I haven't booked and am curious about the current EVA experience.
The Jewel is outside immigration, and there’s no way they will deny you entry into Singapore if you want to go to Jewel during a short connection. Once you’re out of immigration, you’re free to go wherever you want in Singapore.
indeed-like a pre-Covid flight adventure; looking foreward your post-covid assessment of Cathay; looks like a most fun adventure:)
You’re fine to enter Singapore while on transit. Just make sure you have enough time to clear immigration both ways.
However, you CANNOT go airside and the. Want to come back out again without having taken a flight. This is to guard against those who make duty free purchases without leaving the country.
You’re fine to enter Singapore while on transit. Just make sure you have enough time to clear immigration both ways.
However, you CANNOT go airside and the. Want to come back out again without having taken a flight. This is to guard against those who make duty free purchases without leaving the country.
The SQ first class flight from sin to cgk should be quite enjoyable. I've flown it several times in years past and they always provide a full meal, along with Dom. In fact, one time I was the only fc passenger and the flight attendant asked if she should just leave the newly open bottle of Dom with me. How could I say no??
Good luck with the transit in Jeddah. The new terminal is nice however and rather big and is a huge upgrade over the older terminals (which they are still using for some reason).
I would absolutely agree, but I did see both a 8H limit signs now nearly a year ago and keep hearing people that were not allowed into the country if the next flight was under 6H. This combined with the experience of another member stating he had to learn it the bad way, leads me to think there are such restrictions. Perhaps it could be down to the fact of using a manual, ie. human operated immigration lane as opposed to an automatic lane, now also available for foreigners not resident in Singapore (only selected countries, but a long list as of today).
Great itinerary but I am totally astounded that you were able to find points flights. I look often for EVA and cannot find availability. I didn't think Garuda had a points program?
Would really like a separate post dealing with the booking and points process as these days availability is so scarce that the quality of the flight is secondary to finding class of service and route choices at reasonable prices.
Have fun. Being a lounge lizard in Hong Kong will be fun but even only consuming one glass of champagne per lounge will be a challenge.
Last time we connected (6 hours) through Taipei we were able to use the SQ lounge and when that closed were forced into the EVA Business lounge which was poor.
I have problems with the Business Class seats on the A350 - the high wings limit my arm movement because the seat is so narrow. The 787 is much better. Both are OK for sleeping.
I hate to admit I'm almost 80 but still find travel to be fun. However - the caviat is that travel MUST be in Business with a bed and MUST have a reasonable lounge or sleeping area for long connects. Even the recliners in the Al Marouj lounge in Qatar are better than nothing.
You better pray for no delays or this trip could unravel really quick, rest while you can and don’t drink too much as you are going to be so jetlagged, unless you can some how stay on 1 timezone.
I never tried the SG lounge there. Is it substantially better than EVA's Star/Infinity?
In my opinion, the one big advantage in the EVA lounge are the great showers, although coming with a long wait during busy times. Besides that, I'm always a bit disappointed.
@Ben, evisa for SA is easy enough. The hardest part is getting their image sizer to propoery capture your face from the photo you upload. Costs ~$134 USD and will be approved within minutes.
Are you overdoing it? Of course you are, but I often do exactly the same thing! Booking a flagship flight (often a scarce F seat award on a bucketlist airline) and then padding out to a complete itinerary. 6 or 7 individual flights in 8-12 days is not uncommon.
My nervousness about flight times dramatically changing, or even a cancellation, increases exponentially with the number of flights however.
Is there ever a Plan B? A fuzzy one, yes; in the early post-pandemic days I would book a second 'shadow' flight on the most important route as insurance. Being on miles or points I could cancel up to 24hrs before this flight for a modest or no cost.
So, let it rip, and I look forward to your reviews; there are some of my bucketlist flights there!
@onemileatatime Ben - do you book each segment individually (miles or otherwise) with each airline on a trip like this, or do you purchase as a whole, using miles, points, and cash through a third party?
This is 2016-2019 OMAAT material!! Looking forward to your trip reports, expecially the long haul EVA 777 segment.
These type of "wild" trips was my inspiration when booking my honeymoon trip to Bali next May, all on points.
That's very cool that those are "business trips". Although I'd love to see more infant travel in your blogs 🙂
I'm trying to go as many places as possible before my son turns 2 and would require a seat on the plane. However, most (reverse) herringbone seats just aren't great for family travel... I'd love to see reviews of airlines/hotels that cater to infants or kids!
Sounds awesome, can’t wait to read about it. Please please give details of how you booked, how many miles it took, which programs. I’m looking to copy this trip!
Nor is getting from T5 to T3...... Took over 2 hours the other day including idiots on both sides of the security check points!! Couldn't believe how many had opened duty free liquor bags and some not even the DF bags themselves, then how rude the security people were, especially the surly women.... They barked orders like dogs and had no ability to explain what was wrong with the picture or options the dopes had to save their liquor by going back outside security and checking it in their carryon bags....... A real goat rope!! 🙁
Air Astana next please! Look at their safety video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S08swmoFiYM
Not sure how wild it is though. It's a bunch of flights and lounges for review.
Request you to take a Review trip of Vistara which is flying manu international destinations like London, Frankfurt