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I have exactly the same choice. I’ve flown both in business class. Etihad used to have a free chauffeur service, but I haven’t checked whether this is still the case. Singapore doesn’t. It’s a very close call. Singapore has “book the cook”, but Etihad has “anytime” food service. Entertainment...

I managed to get companion Plat for my wife. A couple of extra business class upgrades, but the main benefit was symbolic. It was “thank you for your support during my days away from home”. In my view, it is a worthwhile thing to shoot for.

This is good advice. Before I got the status I have I usually paid extra for Economy X. Priority boarding is a bonus, although you would no doubt get it any way with the kid.

I’ve just gifted a Plat to my wife. It’s just a symbolic thing really, so she will be really annoyed it could have brought in $900.

I flew back from Bali on VA in March last year and there were about 20 on the plane. I put in a bid to upgrade, and was successful. I would have been better off in Economy where I would have had three seats to sleep on. Speaking to FAs they were staggered at the low number of pax and could come...

Just downloaded our walking records from my Garmin. Over 150km. Not bad at all for a two week holiday.

Now where was I? We have been so busy in debilitating Singapore I have fallen behind. Last Sunday was our last day in Japan with a late flight at 11.25pm, and late checkout, thanks Osaka Hilton. Went out early to see Osaka Castle, and even getting there before opening there was a mass of people...

Good luck to you, but I’d be pissed off if you got gold like that, having been denied twice

AGL recently awarded me 50k flybuys points for moving to them, which as you know can be directly converted to Velocity points. I’m pretty sure that’s still available.

The only thing I add has nothing to do with status and lounge access. In my view, and many, many flyers I talk to, VA staff enjoy their jobs more and treat you as a guest. Sadly I can’t say that for Qantas and Jetstar, which I’m forced to use on about one in four flights. I’d be interested in...

Nothing has disappointed us with the trip so far, but Nara came close. Okay, a bit like killing Bambi (pun intended) so let me explain. I booked a half day Nara tour when we booked the flights because I read rave reviews about it and wanted something in a mainly blank itinerary. What I didn’t...

Some observations, comments and questions about Japan - it’s probably the only nation where I don’t feel short or old - so neat and tidy without rubbish bins? Yes they are at stations, but that’s about it. - do school students only do field trips? Seems that way - I thought people in Singapore...

Agreed. I don’t expect large rooms in London, New York, Paris, Rome and Japan, but some are quite ridiculous. Interestingly the largest cities we have visited here, Tokyo and Osaka had the best rooms. The one in Kyoto was quite tiny.

Getting towards the end of our time in Japan before 4 days in Singapore. I wasn’t planning to visit Miyajima Island, but am glad I did. The decision made easier by the fact that our JR Pass got us there, including the ferry. It’s about 30 minutes from Hiroshima station, with the ferry taking 20...

Okay. Thanks for that insight.

Farewell Kyoto. Having a JR Green Pass, we ended up being booked into Kyoto-Kobe-Hiroshima, with a change of trains at Kobe. Having a bit of luggage and not long to change at Kobe, I showed a staff member my ticket and asked “this platform”. She nodded. I didn’t ask “next train” assuming it was...

Bento box dinner tonight. Beautifully presented and delicious.

KrisFlyer. I didn’t notice at the time.

I really like Kyoto and regret not staying at least a day longer. It’s easy to navigate and even possible to walk to some of main attractions. Today we decided to walk to the Gion area and have a look at the Yasaka Shrine and the Kodaiji Temple, setting out just after 8am, knowing we could get...

Thanks. Bloody travel agent.