Lounge Review: Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (Noi Bai International Airport)

February 06, 2019 by Mark Chua in Lounge, Aviation

When I flew out of Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) on Singapore Airlines in Business Class, I had access to Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge (sometimes referred to as NASCO Lounge) before departure. Even though Vietnam Airlines is not part of Star Alliance (it is actually part of the SkyTeam Alliance), most of the star alliance partner airlines use this lounge for their premium cabin passengers. Located in the International Departures Terminal above Gate 28, the Vietnam Airlines Lotus Lounge is open from 6:00AM to 2:00AM daily.

Trip Report - Vietnam Airlines Business Class A321 VN662 - SIN to HAN (Singapore to Hanoi)

January 24, 2019 by Mark Chua in Aviation

To get from Singapore to Hanoi earlier this month, I decided to travel on Vietnam Airlines’ Business Class product for a number of reasons - it departs from Terminal 4 of Singapore Changi Airport (where the Blossom – SATS & Plaza Premium Lounge is) and more importantly, I have not actually flown on Vietnam Airlines before. Additionally, I wanted to make full use of a stopover on a Singapore Airlines redemption (before the new redemption rates kicked in) so I needed to position myself in Zone 3 first. Check out my review of Vietnam Airlines’ Business Class product.

Comparing DragonPass to Priority Pass in Singapore Changi Airport - Interesting Restaurants as Alternative to Airport Lounges

January 22, 2019 by Mark Chua in Aviation

I have always relied on my OCBC VOYAGE Card to get unlimited access to Plaza Premium Lounges in Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). However, when I paid S$1,712 for The Platinum Card from American Express late last year, I received a Priority Pass card which offers unlimited access (+1 guest) to all Priority Pass lounges (which includes Plaza Premium Lounges). While searching for some information online today, I realised that DragonPass (which is an alternative lounge network that some banks in Singapore partner) offers a number of interesting restaurants in addition to the usual airport lounges.

Lounge Review: Blossom – SATS & Plaza Premium Lounge (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 4)

January 21, 2019 by Mark Chua in Lounge, Aviation

Terminal 4 of Singapore Changi Airport officially opened back in August last year and even though it has already been almost half a year, I have not had the opportunity to check it out until a couple of weeks ago when I was traveling on Vietnam Airlines. There are only two airport lounges here in Terminal 4 and one is the flagship Cathay Pacific Lounge (which I will have to visit at some point) and the other is the Blossom – SATS & Plaza Premium Lounge (commonly known as Blossom Lounge which is incorrect).

Direct Singapore-Laos Flights on Scoot from S$88 One-way - Book by 22 January 2019

January 10, 2019 by Mark Chua in Aviation

In celebration of Scoot's direct Singapore-Lao flights, you can now enjoy flights from Singapore to Luang Prabang and Vientiane from just S$88 one-way (all-in fare) when you book before the end of 22 January 2019. The three-times-weekly flights operated with Scoot’s A320 aircraft are slated to commence on 1 April 2019.

KrisFlyer to Introduce More Changes - Greater Upgrade Options, Early Waitlist Confirmation, Discounted Last Minute Redemption and Award Calendar

January 03, 2019 by Mark Chua in Aviation

Following the slight devaluation announcement this morning, KrisFlyer will be rolling out new changes in the days ahead. Unlike what has happened earlier today, all the changes in this article are largely positive and it will make the whole award redemption process a little less daunting (at least for beginners). Starting with the revisions to Singapore Airlines and SilkAir Award and Upgrade Charts, these changes will begin rolling out from 24 January 2019.

Upcoming Changes to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Award Chart from 24 January 2019 - More Miles Required for J/F Tickets!

January 03, 2019 by Mark Chua in Aviation

Back in March 2017, changes were made in regards to the number of miles required for redemption tickets as well as redemption upgrade bookings. Today, KrisFlyer has just published a brand new award chart that will go live on 24 January 2019 - these upcoming changes are negative (as you would expect) for consumers and they will hit Saver redemption tickets the most. Interestingly enough, the number of miles required for an award flight in Economy will not be changing but you will be expected to fork out 1,500 to 7,000 more KrisFlyer Miles (6.0 to 12.3% increase) each way in Business and First Class.

Lounge Review: Qantas International Business Lounge - Auckland Airport (AKL)

December 27, 2018 by Mark Chua in Lounge, Aviation

Having been to the Air New Zealand Auckland International Lounge (which is probably my favourite lounge in AKL) and the Strata Lounge (a Priority Pass lounge), I was curious to check out the Qantas International Business Lounge when I was traveling from Auckland to Melbourne last month. The Qantas Lounge here in Auckland Airport is located airside on level 2 and it opens from 4:00AM until the departure of the last Qantas or Emirates Service so you do not have to worry about accessing it if you are traveling on QF/EK First and Business Class.