Recently, I shared how I’m taking a trip to Iceland later this month, which has been on my bucket list for quite some time. I’m flying Icelandair from New York (JFK) to Keflavik (KEF), and then after a stopover, I’m continuing to London (LHR). That will allow me review Icelandair’s Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321LR Saga Class.
As I hinted at, the reason I’m flying to London is because I’m kicking off a review trip from there, and I think some of y’all will really like what I have planned. Let me explain what I have booked so far, in chronological order.
In this post:
I’m flying Air India’s A350 & A320neo business class
It has obviously been an interesting several years for Air India, and it’s finally time I give the airline a try for the first time since being privatized. So I’ll be flying Air India business class from London (LHR) to Delhi (DEL) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL), with the first segment on the Airbus A350, and the second segment on the Airbus A320neo, with both flights having the latest generation cabins.
I managed to redeem 80,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points for this flight, and I’m very much looking forward to it! I’m not sure whether the flights will be awesome or awful, but there’s a sense of excitement with finally getting to experience the new Air India.
I do have one question. I have a layover of around nine hours in Delhi. Am I understanding correctly that the Holiday Inn Express Delhi T3 is the only/best option for getting some rest without going through immigration (if booking the correct “wing” of the hotel)? If so, once you’re in the hotel, do you have to stay in the hotel until you’re ready to leave, or can you move freely between the hotel and the terminal?
Also, it has been a long time since I’ve been through Delhi Airport, so any lounges I should check out, that I’d have access to?
I’m then flying Singapore Airlines’ A350 & 737 MAX business class
From Kuala Lumpur, I need to get down to Phnom Penh. While I could fly Malaysia Airlines nonstop, I’m saving that for another trip. Instead, I’m flying Singapore Airlines from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Singapore (SIN) to Phnom Penh (KTI).
The first flight is on Singapore Airlines’ regional Airbus A350, while the second flight is on Singapore Airlines’ Boeing 737 MAX, and I haven’t flown either of those cabins on the airline before. I booked this with Air Canada Aeroplan points, and have a roughly 24 hour layover in Singapore.
I’m just traveling through Phnom Penh in transit, and I look forward to checking out the new airport there, as it looks really nice. I know Cambodia requires a visa, but does anyone know if that’s required if connecting international to international same day? I’ll probably get it either way, to avoid any issues, but I’m just wondering…
Then I’m flying Etihad’s A321LR first class & A380 The Residence!
From there, I’m checking out the two Etihad premium experiences that have been on my radar, flying from Phnom Penh (PNH) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Paris (CDG).
The first flight is on Etihad’s Airbus A321LR, which has the world’s quirkiest first class cabin. There are just two first class seats at the front of the cabin, and I’m very curious to see what first class is like on a narrow body plane.
Then on the connection, I’ll be flying Etihad’s Airbus A380 The Residence. I last flew The Residence eight years ago, when it was a dedicated product that cost as much as a car (back when they’d give you a signed picture of Shawn Mendes with turndown service… or was that just for me?). Nowadays it’s available as an upgrade option for first class passengers, so that upgrade cost around $1,600.
So, how did I book this ticket? The first class fare from Phnom Penh to Paris was round $2,700. So I actually used Chase points at the rate of 1.5 cents each (before that opportunity is discontinued), meaning I spent just 180,000 points on the ticket, without a dime in taxes and fees. Ironically enough, even if there had been saver award availability on the routing, it would’ve cost a lot more points.
And then I’m flying Aer Lingus’ A330 business class, I think
While I’m not 100% committed to this, for the last portion of my trip, I’ve booked Aer Lingus’ A330 business class from Dublin (DUB) to Boston (BOS), which I booked for 45,000 Alaska Atmos Rewards points.
I recently flew Aer Lingus’ A321XLR business class, so I’d be curious to try the carrier’s other long haul aircraft type again, and also to give Aer Lingus a try on a daytime flight. I’m still open to booking something else, but that’s what I tentatively have planned.
From Boston, I plan to get home via Philadelphia, so that I can check out the American Flagship Lounge Philadelphia, given that I recently picked up oneworld Sapphire status with Royal Jordanian, granting me Flagship Lounge access on domestic itineraries. 
What about hotel stays in Kuala Lumpur & Singapore?
Aside from a possible stay at the Holiday Inn Express Delhi Airport (mentioned above), I have two overnight stays on this trip, in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
In Kuala Lumpur, I think it’s no mystery where I’m staying — of course I’m checking out the new Park Hyatt, which is one of the highest hotels in the world.
In Singapore, I’m still undecided. Ideally I’d like to stay at an Amex FHR property, given that I have multiple of those $300 credits to spend. So looking at the most reasonably priced options, those include the EDITION, the Four Seasons, the Kempinski, and the Shangri-La.
It seems like the Four Seasons would be the obvious choice… or am I staying at the EDITION since I’m on a Marriott Bonvoy elite status hamster wheel?
Bottom line
I’m very excited for the upcoming review trip I’ve planned. After visiting Iceland (and flying Icelandair’s 737 MAX and A321LR Saga Class), I’ll be taking a quick whirlwind trip to Southeast Asia, flying Air India’s A350 and A320neo business class, Etihad’s A321LR first class, Etihad’s A380 The Residence, and Aer Lingus’ A330 business class.
It’s not just about the flights, but there are also some hotels I’m excited to check out, particularly the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. By the way, I have plans to head back to Asia one more time before the end of the year, as there are some more products I want to knock out, so stay tuned for the details on that.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned! Any guesses as to how these flights and hotel stays will go?
Not sure when this is, but given that you mention the $300 credit I guess it will not be until next year. I wish you would review some other airlines and hotels. You tend to stick to the same core airlines but there are many airlines out there.
Lucky hasn't reviewed AI in forever. He does a p good job balancing reviews and trying new airlines other than maybe too much Emirates First Class
The Kempinski in Singapore was the worst hotel stay I ever had. I would go for the Edition in Singapore.
Ben:
very interesting itinerary
pl send me your itinerary in the airline format
like
first name last name
airline flight no class of travel date of trvl
sector status of booking like HK1 or KK1 etc
in a sequential order
it will be nice to see long itinerary of a pax
better keep a copy of the itinerary handy
so that you will not misconnect any...
Ben:
very interesting itinerary
pl send me your itinerary in the airline format
like
first name last name
airline flight no class of travel date of trvl
sector status of booking like HK1 or KK1 etc
in a sequential order
it will be nice to see long itinerary of a pax
better keep a copy of the itinerary handy
so that you will not misconnect any flt
for india suggest you get evisa online and
keep a print out and show it to immigrations
hotel in sin is Carlton hotel or Shangrila
after your return to u s i want to read your
report about your experrience.
thanks and wish you bon voyage
let me hear your good or bad experience with airindia particularly
behavior of business pax, refurnished seats,
food, etc.
Natarajan Sivsubramanian Formerly AI
Book the international wing of HiEx. I had to do the eVias + domestic wing recently due to having an overnight layover coupled with self-transfer to a separately ticketed flight. A domestic wing check-in is huge hassle requiring that you be escorted through an arcane process of bag x-raying and checking while army fatigues dressed security take their time imposing their seniority over the hotel staff who they obviously view as beneath contempt. At least...
Book the international wing of HiEx. I had to do the eVias + domestic wing recently due to having an overnight layover coupled with self-transfer to a separately ticketed flight. A domestic wing check-in is huge hassle requiring that you be escorted through an arcane process of bag x-raying and checking while army fatigues dressed security take their time imposing their seniority over the hotel staff who they obviously view as beneath contempt. At least international wing you can get to and check-in un-escorted (there's a YouTube video showing the route). Although that said, international transfers can be very slow with staff operating at a snail's pace and frankly making the whole process a thoroughly unpleasant process, so much so that when I have a straight transfer there I prefer to arrange an eVisa, go through immigration, then back in again. It's honestly easier than airside transfer, unless they have improved that A LOT. Note they just introduced electronic arrival cards also, which you have to do in addition to the eVisa. Note also for the eVisa you have to give a contact / sponsor in India. For hotel layovers just use the hotel manager's details, and the places you intend to visit are DEL T3 Arrivals and DEL T3 Departures. There seems to be no actual transit option for eVisa.
The Encalm lounge in Delhi is nice and usually doesn't seem overly crowded even though many airlines use it. Great selection of Indian vegetarian food
There's a recently opened (newish) lounge at T3 which we visited while transiting Delhi - not a 100% if it is a PP lounge, but we had access as ANA business class passengers (not sure if AI business class passengers have access). The options for F & B were a vast improvement over the last time I transited Delhi - Look forward to your take on it!
Don't forget to have a rainsuit ready for Air India. You never know when someone might piss on you.
In all seriousness, nearly all flights to India suck regardless of the airline. My wife flew from Newark to Delhi on United last year. I joked with her about how nasty the plane would be (I honestly thought United would be ok) and she confirmed the flight was terribe, both smelly and dirty. On the way...
Don't forget to have a rainsuit ready for Air India. You never know when someone might piss on you.
In all seriousness, nearly all flights to India suck regardless of the airline. My wife flew from Newark to Delhi on United last year. I joked with her about how nasty the plane would be (I honestly thought United would be ok) and she confirmed the flight was terribe, both smelly and dirty. On the way back we flew Singapore together and only had to endure a short hop to Singapore. More hours total but definitely worth it.
From my experience:
Four Seasons Singapore is a huge disappointment! Don’t waste your time. Big fan of the Shangri La though, and would highly recommend it.
I recently had an 8 hour transit in Delhi and I booked a room at the Aloft in the Aerocity - 5 minutes by metro and then a 10 minute walk. Or a 10 minute uber drive. And an impressive Aloft at that. There is also the Hyatt, JW and many other options at Aerocity.
In Spore, I feel EDITION is a more Exclusive Hotel to check out as I Love their Interior Design. They're quite new too.
Recently stayed at the Park Hyatt KL and was blown away. Very impressive hotel. Our room was on the 106th floor and looked down into clouds some days. Tip: if you want to dine in the hotel's restaurants pre-book them as they've opened restaurant bookings to anyone and all of KL is booking their restaurants given its so special. Which isn't good for those staying at the hotel that have not pre-booked.
This restaurant advice also applies to PH Tokyo. Just because you're a Globalist staying in a premium suite doesn't mean they'll have a spare table open for you. Email the concierge as soon as you book your room, and get everything sorted prior to arrival.
How about the new Swiss A350 on ZRH-BOS, seems much more interesting than Aer Lingus?
Best news here was your 80K redemption with Aeroplan, because those are getting harder and harder to come by for long-haul Business lie-flat on any partner.
Hope that a350 holds, because, a last-minute aircraft swap for their ancient 773, or the 787 (which... you know...) wouldn't be ideal.
Staying within transit for DEL is best; because, while you could get an eVisa, it's just not worth it for 9 hours, especially if there...
Best news here was your 80K redemption with Aeroplan, because those are getting harder and harder to come by for long-haul Business lie-flat on any partner.
Hope that a350 holds, because, a last-minute aircraft swap for their ancient 773, or the 787 (which... you know...) wouldn't be ideal.
Staying within transit for DEL is best; because, while you could get an eVisa, it's just not worth it for 9 hours, especially if there are any delays.
Since you are originating in the UK, if there are any significant delays, at least you'd be eligible for UK261 compensation... yay. Still, better to arrive relatively on-schedule.
On Cambodia, how fortunate that the hostilities between neighbors have de-escalated. Phew! I'll be trying SQ's 737 with the lie-flat Business class in February. Wish more airlines adopted that product. There's no reason US carriers couldn't do this with their own narrow-bodies.
On Singapore hotels, if the redemptions are decent, the Edition is also relatively new. Stayed there last year, and enjoyed the meals, pool, room, etc. It's nearby the St. Regis, too.
You are quite fortunate to get to experience the Residence, again. (Someday... someday...)
Hey! I like this blog - so sad its coming to a close shortly after you board that AI A350.
Rip big man
Not funny, bro
Oof, how macabre. Well, it is nearly Halloween.
I loved my stay at the Kempinski in Singapore! It's in a heritage building with lots of cool design features, really huge rooms (rare in Singapore) and attentive service.
Hey Ben,
While in Delhi check out this lounge i reviewed, called the Encalm Lounge https://wingtips.co.uk/2024/07/01/review-encalm-prive-lounge-del-airport/
Back in 2017 a transit visa was required, I believe it was $20 cash USD only.
Is Phnom Penh one of those airports where you can typically find cheap(er) J and F fares like CAI?
The terminal hotel is surprisingly decent (and a much better place to rest than the quite frankly horrible Encalm Privé lounge, I really don't understand the hype), and you should have no problem coming and going as soon as you are checked in. The breakfast offering is questionable at best, but the views from the dining room are worth a visit anyway.
Highly recommend the Kempinski! It's a great property and centrally located. Edition is decent, but not memorable while the Four Seasons and Shangri-la are good properties but starting to show their age. Have a great trip!
Wow! When are you planning to do this? I'm planning a similar itinerary around Thanksgiving . KTI-AUH-LHR on EY then LHR-DUB-BOS on EI. I may just fly AUH-DUB on EY as I've flown their Apartments already.
Regarding the Cambodian visa, there's an app you can use prior to arrival or you can pay for a visa on arrival ($30USD...bring pristine cash). You SHOULDN'T need one if you don't plan on leaving the transit area...
Wow! When are you planning to do this? I'm planning a similar itinerary around Thanksgiving . KTI-AUH-LHR on EY then LHR-DUB-BOS on EI. I may just fly AUH-DUB on EY as I've flown their Apartments already.
Regarding the Cambodian visa, there's an app you can use prior to arrival or you can pay for a visa on arrival ($30USD...bring pristine cash). You SHOULDN'T need one if you don't plan on leaving the transit area (not sure how long your layover is) and already have your next boarding pass. It's not very common to not leave the airport as KTI is only a hub for Cambodian airlines and K6 does not have a large international route network.
This is such a wonderful way to begin the next full-throttle travel era of OMAAT! It's like the glamour-infused times of the previous decade with the Residence returning to the review spectrum!
The A380 will be forever my favorite aircraft
I hope you haven't bred.
Very excited for this report! I’m eager to learn your thoughts on the Residence—I’m currently debating whether to upgrade to it on AUH-YYZ. The price is closer to $4k for that route.
For India I would just get the online tourist visa. It is US25 and quick and easy to process. That way, if anything goes awry you will at least be able to enter the country. Being stuck in transit at DEL with no Visa is not fun.
There are loads of really good hotels in 'aerocity' a 5-10 minute uber ride from the airport.
Agree - the JW Marriott in Aerocity is very good. You are best placed to take the tourist visa option and enter land side.
I guarantee you that Ben is doing this because he specifically does NOT want to enter India.
I've stayed at the JW and the Andaz at the Aerocity, and both were fine for longer layovers, but only if you already have plans to get eVisa, etc. If traveling through T3, and want to remain in-transit, not 'enter' India, and 'need' a hotel, then the Holiday Inn Express is really the only option for now.
Not that it would affect Ben's trip, but, at least they fixed the roof that collapsed at DEL T1 (2024).
100% agree. A 9 hour layover inside DEL is not fun. Immigration is usually I pretty quick in Delhi and Aerocity is a 5 kin drive away with some great hotel options.
The new AI lounge for international departures might open by the time you travel. If anything like the AI BLR lounge, it will be interesting.
Not worth it to enter India since immigration could take an hour or more (or could be very fast). JW is a nice hotel and close but if a person has 8-9 hours just not worth it to enter country, go to hotel, check in, go to room, etc.
Agree with most there for the Singapore hotel. I would do Kempinski or Shangri-La as well. Besides Shang you could consider the Standard as well since they are now part of Hyatt.
As for KL, the hotel scene will get a lot more interesting soon with the Waldorf Astoria KL and Kimpton opening towards early next year
Really curious to hear your thoughts on the litrerally brand new phnom penh airport. And I'm sorry you won't spend more time in the city of Phnom Penh, it's a really cool and delightful city with some amazing things to do, including the super powerful genocide museum.
For your SQ 737 Max flight, make sure you choose one of two throne seats (row 2) for the best experience.
These are normally reserved for PPS but would suggest you call SQ to secure them T-96hrs.
Ben, I'd like to suggest staying at the Artyzen in Singapore. It's a smaller Asian chain and not in one of the big points systems--but it is FHR. It's also beautiful, locally themed, and my favorite hotel in the world. The rooftop pool is great at sunrise, and you can walk over to the Botanic Gardens. Otherwise, the Edition is nice.
Congratulations ! Looking forward to the reviews and unique insights.
You’ll have access to the Encalm Prive lounge in Delhi (different from the standard Encalm lounge that exists in Delhi airport for International departures).
Amazing itinery! Looking really forward to AI, Hyat and especially SQ!
For Singapore I’d suggest you check out the Capella which was the resort we stayed at for our honeymoon. It’s on Sentosa island so a bit far but would be curious your take.
@ John Jackson -- I would, except it's way more expensive than the other options. Hopefully next time when I travel with the family, but for this trip, I'm trying to keep the cost reasonable (after factoring in the $300 credit).
Might get delAAyed Bos PHL Mia. Gentlemen good luck.
The Park Hyatt KL is amazing and absolutely worth the visit (stayed there 3 nights). Booked it for the novelty of living in the clouds for a short while, but I’m planning another trip to East Asia next summer and I’ll want to make a return stay. Top-notch service all around too.
Since I know you’re a fan of Indian food Ben, I’d recommend trying some at the Park Lounge in the hotel. I had the butter chicken there and I was very much impressed.
@ Samar -- Appreciate the heads up, and look forward to trying some great Indian food (though perhaps after spending 24 hours on Air India, I won't be as excited as I'd otherwise be?).
@Ben as someone of Indian descent I agree that may happen (there’s only so much Indian food I can eat in a row). Hopefully the AI experience won’t kill your mood. :)
Looking forward to review of Air India A320neo. Sometimes Air India RUH-DEL-BKK Biz is ridiculously cheap (both legs are usually operated by A320neo) but still I feel hesitant to get on Air India biz.... let me see your review.
1.5 cent per Chase point seems like a bad deal, especially for a points expert.
Indeed, doens't seem like proper choice by any usual points/miles pursuer, but then it seems extremely (to be honest, almost impossible) to come across EY Biz (not to mention first class) redeemning points/miles these day via any partner channel. Prob no other way to pay cash (or burn UR or MR as payment).
@ Joe -- I have a different take, so let me explain. I think this is where people fall into the trap of wanting some sort of a blockbuster cent per mile redemption value.
First of all, I think we'd all agree that any time you can find saver level award availability in first class, it's a pretty good deal. In this case, an award on these flights would cost 240,000 miles plus $800 in...
@ Joe -- I have a different take, so let me explain. I think this is where people fall into the trap of wanting some sort of a blockbuster cent per mile redemption value.
First of all, I think we'd all agree that any time you can find saver level award availability in first class, it's a pretty good deal. In this case, an award on these flights would cost 240,000 miles plus $800 in taxes and fees. Instead, I'm paying 180,000 points and zero taxes and fees, and I'm even earning miles. It just happens to be that Etihad's paid first class fair is very reasonable.
"But you're only getting 1.5 cents of value per point!" I hear you... sort of. A couple of years ago, I got a Chase Freedom Unlimited that offered double points for the first year, meaning I was earning 3x Ultimate Rewards points on all my spending. For example, I paid my taxes with the card for a 1.8% fee, meaning I was acquiring Ultimate Rewards points for 0.6 cents each.
So put another way, acquiring those 180,000 points cost me $1,080, and I'd say that's a pretty amazing value for first class on a trip like this, no?
I don't make redemptions just to show off that I got X cents per point based on some inflated retail cost. Instead, my goal is always to get outsized value compared to my acquisition costs.
I didn't feel like spending $2,700 in cash on this ticket, since I was also spending $1,600 for the upgrade. So $1,600 in cash was a lot more palatable to me than $4,300.
Make sense/fair enough? :-)
Thank you. The obsession with cpp maximization is a bit much.
Chase getting rid of the CSR 1.5cpp redemption is terrible (PointsBoost! is a joke), and a reminder to all to transfer your non-CSR UR points over to the CSR before 10/26 so that you can still use the 1.5cpp redemption for those points through October 2027.
Went to Japan / Taiwan with the family of 4 this summer. Wanted JAL business on the...
Thank you. The obsession with cpp maximization is a bit much.
Chase getting rid of the CSR 1.5cpp redemption is terrible (PointsBoost! is a joke), and a reminder to all to transfer your non-CSR UR points over to the CSR before 10/26 so that you can still use the 1.5cpp redemption for those points through October 2027.
Went to Japan / Taiwan with the family of 4 this summer. Wanted JAL business on the A350. Found a good multi-destination fare for 4 people roundtrip ~$18,000 for the 4 of us. Shockingly, I did not want to pay $18,000 cash! Paid 1.2m UR points instead, plus credited to AA and earned 200k AA points back, so ~1m points paid "net". Was it the best redemption ever? Of course not, would have much preferred paying 480k AA points (60x4x2). But did I have a chance of finding award seats on JAL for JFK-HND-TSA for 4 people roundtrip on the dates I needed? No way! Would I do this redemption again? Yep.
I think the award ticket cost here, while a data point, is not really relevant and neither is the 180000/$1080 one.
The real question is the $2,700 v. 180,000 UR points (or Amex, C1 or Citi points) equation. To me, using the points here is not good value for a premium traveler. I understand you didn't "feel" like spending 2700 plus 1600 in cash. I would have bought the cash ticket -- $2700 to fly...
I think the award ticket cost here, while a data point, is not really relevant and neither is the 180000/$1080 one.
The real question is the $2,700 v. 180,000 UR points (or Amex, C1 or Citi points) equation. To me, using the points here is not good value for a premium traveler. I understand you didn't "feel" like spending 2700 plus 1600 in cash. I would have bought the cash ticket -- $2700 to fly first class from Vietnam to Europe in Etihad first plus $1600 for the residence is a no brainer -- to me. Which brings this whole topic of miles and points to its most basic point: what are points worth. And you just made the decision that for you, it's 1.5 cent per point. So, maybe your valuation in your monthly chart for UR (and the other ones) should be adjusted from 1.7 to 1.5...
Exciting, can't wait for this content!
Ben, I hope you will be going to India around mid-November or later. Since your trip seems to be booked earlier, it looks like you'll miss the reopening of the Air India Maharaja lounge Delhi by only a matter of days/weeks. The refurbished Maharaja lounge is set to reopen in mid-November and I feel like it might warrant putting the India trip off for even a little bit, since you wouldn't have to come all...
Ben, I hope you will be going to India around mid-November or later. Since your trip seems to be booked earlier, it looks like you'll miss the reopening of the Air India Maharaja lounge Delhi by only a matter of days/weeks. The refurbished Maharaja lounge is set to reopen in mid-November and I feel like it might warrant putting the India trip off for even a little bit, since you wouldn't have to come all the way back just to try the lounge. Right now you would just be reviewing the Encalm privé lounge and although it's a fantastic lounge, it is the same contract lounge that everyone uses.
Try the Encalm Prive lounge in Delhi, you should have access to it flying J on AI.
You can enter and exit the hotel, but you have to go through a lengthy security verification process each time so it really isn't worth it until you are ready to leave. The hotel is fairly decent though - nicer than the average Holiday Inn Express.
I highly recommend Mondrian Singapore Duxton. Mondrian is Accor’s lifestyle brand and they are very artistic in nature and I would argue, sometimes even cut above. Duxton is also a very expensive central area and is full of historic streets and buildings and restaurants
I recall you had a problem with your Etihad guest FF account, and it was locked. How did you resolve that, and what was the issue
Ben, you should apply for Indian evisa which is an easy online process and cost about $20. They approve visa in few hours, you just need to take a printout of it. That way you can move to hotel and terminal in Delhi without worrying about anything .
First and most importantly, I'm glad that you're just getting back to the swing of things. I know it's been a difficult time for you the last few weeks; as someone who is on this blog literally on a daily basis, I don't forget these things.
Moving on, I'm glad you'll be able to experience Singapore's 737 as well as the new Phnom Penh Airport. Hopefully they don't swap out the MAX for the...
First and most importantly, I'm glad that you're just getting back to the swing of things. I know it's been a difficult time for you the last few weeks; as someone who is on this blog literally on a daily basis, I don't forget these things.
Moving on, I'm glad you'll be able to experience Singapore's 737 as well as the new Phnom Penh Airport. Hopefully they don't swap out the MAX for the sole NG they'll be retiring in March ;)
I wish you could've snuck in Thai's new A320/A321neo while you were at it!
And do you plan on spending the New Year in the Pacific?
@ Mike O. -- When I return to Asia, I 100% what to fly Thai Airways, including the new A321neo. But since it's not in service yet, I'm saving that for the next time. Regarding the Pacific New Year idea, now that I have the ability to plan a bit more, maybe it's a good option for next year. But so far I haven't planned anything.
Apparently Thai's A321neos will start service in January, so it won't be too long; there wouldn't be much to review on their A320s as well as the sole SQ 737NG ;)
In the meantime, you still have the entire African continent to review!
Lastly, hopefully we get to see Aircalin as well as Air Niugini as they seem to be some under the radar airlines.
Looking forward to your reviews!
FYI. The RJ Saphire card expiration date is in the day,month,year format. When I got mine I thought they had shorten my free status year.
I’m booked RJ LHR-KUL and used one of my new upgrade cert with the new card. Enjoy your trip and good luck.
You will have access to the encalm prive lounge, actually a very fantastic lounge with lots of space and interesting facilities like gaming room. The buffet is amazing and worth the visit. This is also the main contract lounge for all qualified frequent flyer status holders and premium class pax for almost all airlines
Thrilled that you’re finally flying AI and the SQ 737 MAX, Ben! In spite of recent negative experiences — and I really do mean that (that F product review was simply disgraceful) — it still delivers a great product on its latest aircraft. I’m no AI apologist, contrary to some popular opinions here, but I should commend it for what it does well.
I strongly recommend that you don’t fly DEL–KUL direct, but instead fly...
Thrilled that you’re finally flying AI and the SQ 737 MAX, Ben! In spite of recent negative experiences — and I really do mean that (that F product review was simply disgraceful) — it still delivers a great product on its latest aircraft. I’m no AI apologist, contrary to some popular opinions here, but I should commend it for what it does well.
I strongly recommend that you don’t fly DEL–KUL direct, but instead fly DEL–SIN on the ex-Vistara 787-9 or A321neo, so that you get a feel of how the Vistara hard product was. In the year since Vistara was merged into Air India, the soft product has been harmonised to AI standards, but the hard product remains what it was in the Vistara days. On the SIN–KUL sector there’s a plethora of airlines to choose from.
Welcome back to India after 7 years — I hope you’ll enjoy it!
True, the product gulf between AI A320neo and ex vistara A321neo is huge but that said the AI A320neo is gonna be the primary product across the board so this is fine to highlight what is gonna be commonly offered, as the Vistara cabins are not gonna be present in future deliveries
You should be thrilled.
You gaslighted Ben, again, into flying Air India.
"I’m no AI apologist, contrary to some popular opinions here, but I should commend it for what it does well."
Suggesting that Air India does anything good is just hilarious.
@Proximanova
The hard product on Vistara 787-9 is the same as in the Singapore Airlines regional A350s and 787s. So no need for Ben to fly that.
Perhaps the Maharaja lounge at DEL will reopen before you arrive?
And I do not know if you can sacrifice class for bling, might you do the EK fifth freedom flight from SIN to KTI?
There is a better fifth freedom of EK which flies from BKK HKG. This has full meal service too. Interestingly even Ethiopian and United has fifth freedom on this route
You should fly Norse Premium back from London to either JFK or MCO... while they still exist
I have stayed at the transit hotel in Delhi a few times. It’s not posh but I think the best option for a long layover. Stay on the international side. And once you are in, you can’t go in and oht - just when you are ready to leave. The air India A350 business class is fantastic. Hope you like it.
I had no problem leaving and coming back to the hotel when I visited august last year.
Excited for the KL Park Hyatt review.
Hi Ben,
Air India lounge at DEL T3 is closed for refurbishment and therefore business class passengers can use the Encalm Privé Lounge.
This is a good lounge with a great food offering, but you definitely don’t want to spend 9 hours there…..
Transit security is a mess at T3, with antiquated scanners and long lines of people emptying their worldly belongings into containers. It took us 2 hours to clear this...
Hi Ben,
Air India lounge at DEL T3 is closed for refurbishment and therefore business class passengers can use the Encalm Privé Lounge.
This is a good lounge with a great food offering, but you definitely don’t want to spend 9 hours there…..
Transit security is a mess at T3, with antiquated scanners and long lines of people emptying their worldly belongings into containers. It took us 2 hours to clear this at 11am on a weekday morning.
The Holiday Inn is directly in the terminal once you’ve cleared transit security and you can move between hotel and terminal. However, T3 isn’t great and options other than the lounge mentioned above are virtually non-existent.
On our return A350 DEL-LHR flight, departing at a horrible 0225, all we wanted to do was sleep, but the crew saw fit to wake people for breakfast 3 hours 45 minutes before landing.
Look forward to your reviews!
This is helpful, thanks Mark. I'm booked on that ~2am A350 DEL-LHR flight in a few months and considering changing to the 6:30am flight (also on the A350). Crazy that they would wake people up almost 4 hours before landing for breakfast, especially when the flight lands at like 630am UK time. Really just wanted to have a night cap and sleep on that flight and figured I'd hang out in the reopened AI lounge...
This is helpful, thanks Mark. I'm booked on that ~2am A350 DEL-LHR flight in a few months and considering changing to the 6:30am flight (also on the A350). Crazy that they would wake people up almost 4 hours before landing for breakfast, especially when the flight lands at like 630am UK time. Really just wanted to have a night cap and sleep on that flight and figured I'd hang out in the reopened AI lounge before the flight, but now second guessing and thinking about skipping the refurbished lounge, crashing at an Aerocity hotel for a few hours and then taking the 630am A350 to LHR (they keep changing the flight time on me so I can rebook for free, love that!). Decisions, decisions...
Encalm Privé Lounge at DEL T3 is actually pretty good; they expanded to an area with paid quite room/chair. And, in the mornings, the masala dosas are excellent.
The Four Seasons Singapore was a regrettable experience for me. The Shangri-La is a regular for visiting U.S. dignitaries in part due to its proximity to Embassies of friendly countries (Australia, Israel) to serve as satellite support sites. Actually if you’re travelling with family, highly recommend their specialty themed suites!
Go on their website to see what I’m talking about. Your kids will love it!
Ray, there is zero chance Ben is traveling with his young children through SE Asia with 24 hours in 2 cities and 9 hours in another.
Just a note on Aer Lingus, as I am flying with them in a few days. Their lounge post US preclearance is closed for renovations till spring 2026. There is no alternative after preclearance, so you only have lounges before.
I suggest to call Singapore Airlines to check in their Timatic system about the transit conditions at the new Phnom Penh airport to be sure. They can even add your onward flight info in the notes.
Just did LHR-SIN 2 weeks ago on the Air India A350 through Delhi. The holiday inn express is your only option airside. It is located at level 5, 2 floors above the Encalm Prive lounge which is the lounge Air India is using for business class passengers (which has some great indian food and masala tea!!). You must show inbound and outbound tickets both from T3. Maximum one night stay and you are free to...
Just did LHR-SIN 2 weeks ago on the Air India A350 through Delhi. The holiday inn express is your only option airside. It is located at level 5, 2 floors above the Encalm Prive lounge which is the lounge Air India is using for business class passengers (which has some great indian food and masala tea!!). You must show inbound and outbound tickets both from T3. Maximum one night stay and you are free to roam around. The hotel restaurant has a wonderful plane spotting area but food is unfortunately lacking - you would be better off eating at the Encalm Prive lounge.
Ben, with respect to Singapore, in my opinion the Edition and Four Seasons are nice, but not especially compelling in any way. The Shangri-La is a landmark. In fact, I would suggest booking the top tier Valley Wing. Not only do they serve unlimited Champagne throughout your stay, the Valley Wing is where VVIPs stay because it is its own building and therefore it is easily secured from the public. If you want to go...
Ben, with respect to Singapore, in my opinion the Edition and Four Seasons are nice, but not especially compelling in any way. The Shangri-La is a landmark. In fact, I would suggest booking the top tier Valley Wing. Not only do they serve unlimited Champagne throughout your stay, the Valley Wing is where VVIPs stay because it is its own building and therefore it is easily secured from the public. If you want to go the other direction, your past favorite Hilton with questionable juju is now the Voco, an IHG property. Other new hotels include the new Hilton on Orchard Road, a second Conrad (formerly the Regent), and Raffles on Sentosa--a Banyan Tree-esque hotel. If you are really fortunate, the closed-for-rennovation Maharaja Lounge in Delhi will reopen just ahead of your visit. The lounge closed in April 2024 for a 1-year renovation that is now in its 18th month.
Air India cash fares are so low these days that the APD probably costs more than the base fare...
It’s like being in the good old days with review trips. Awesome
I enjoyed the shangri-la the last time I was in Singapore, albeit 10 years ago