Author Archives: Chris

The Best-Laid Plans: United Global First Lounge Tokyo Narita

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Chris

Since I was an arriving passenger from a Global First flight, I had access to the first class lounge in Tokyo for my three hour layover.  If nothing else, it made for a change of scenery from March. Upon entering, … Continue reading →

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The Best-Laid Plans: United First Class San Francisco to Tokyo

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Chris

As I was checking up on flight loads the day before my trip, I noticed that the day’s UA915 (HNL-SFO) flight had been canceled and my flight to Honolulu showing no seats for sale in either cabin.  Since SHARES’ (apparent) … Continue reading →

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The Best-Laid Plans: United First Class Newark to San Francisco

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Chris

As far as flights go, my trip in first class from Newark to San Francisco was uneventful. Having been rather sleep deprived from the night before, I slept for most of the flight. I must have missed an announcement, but … Continue reading →

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The Best-Laid Plans: An Introduction

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Chris

In retrospect, I misnamed my trip to Thailand and Japan via Europe this past March.  Business class to Asia via Europe is a cakewalk compared to flying coach to Asia via the Pacific.  Back in November, I convinced myself to … Continue reading →

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Hilton San Jose

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Chris

I recently stayed at the Hilton San Jose for a conference.  Thanks to the combination of mix up in my booking (my Hilton HHonors number had been left off) and a sold out hotel, I wound up with two double … Continue reading →

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Asia, the Long Way: Luftansa Senator Lounge Berlin and United BusinessFirst Berlin to Newark

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Chris

I had about an hour before boarding started, so I visited the Senator lounge next to my gate to check up on my email as my hotel imposed somewhat outrageous prices for internet access. Traditionally, Continental operated the Newark-Berlin route … Continue reading →

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Asia, the Long Way: Holiday Inn Berlin City West

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Chris

My flight from Istanbul was delayed, so I wasn’t on the ground in Germany past customs until about 9PM, hardly enough time to go into Berlin, catch some sleep at my hotel, and make my flight 12 hours later, so … Continue reading →

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Asia, the Long Way: Turkish Airlines Business Class Istanbul to Berlin

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Chris

Since Turkish Airlines was only offering the extended city tour, I had to cut out of the city tour a bit early.  Despite my best efforts to arrive at the airport with minimal time to spare, I still had time … Continue reading →

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Istanbul

Posted on June 3, 2012 by Chris

With about 23 hours in Istanbul, I signed up for the Turkish Airlines-provided city tour to get a quick glimpse of the city before my flight to Berlin.  

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Asia, the Long Way: Holiday Inn Istanbul Airport

Posted on June 2, 2012 by Chris

After paying for my visa and entering Turkey, I located the Turkish Airlines Hotel Desk.  For passengers connecting in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines offers a choice of either a hotel room or a guided tour of Istanbul, coordinating both offers from … Continue reading →

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