Author: Palo

San Diego Sunset 0

Happy New Year! 2025 Review

Happy New Year! In 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on three exciting international trips. Over the course of the year, I traveled a total of 59,000 miles, visiting four countries—about 23% fewer miles than in 2024. Below is a snapshot of my adventures throughout the year…  ...

Seat 9A 0

JAL Business Class: HND-CTS A350-900

When flying from Tokyo to Sapporo, you have plenty of options, with flights departing almost every hour on both ANA and JAL. I found a great fare for J Class (Domestic Business) on JAL, so I booked directly with them. The one-way fare was JPY 23,030, though prices for this...

Seat 2A 0

Finnair Business Class: HEL-LAX A350-900

For my return flight from Europe, I decided to experience Finnair’s Business Class after flying Emirates to Milan. About eight months ahead of time, I was able to secure an award seat on their flagship route, Flight 1, from Helsinki to Los Angeles. Pro tip: to unlock more award availability...

Onboard Bar & Lounge 1

Emirates Business Class: JFK-MXP A380

Flying from the U.S. to Europe on Emirates is a unique experience, thanks to its rare Fifth Freedom route between New York (JFK) and Milan (MXP). What makes it even more special is that this is the only Emirates route between the U.S. and Europe operated by the iconic Airbus...

Over the Pacific Ocean 0

Hawaiian Airlines First Class: SAN-HNL A321neo

Hawaiian Airlines launched its Airbus A321neo service on January 8, 2018, and I finally had the chance to fly it last month. With that flight, I’ve now experienced every aircraft type Hawaiian operates. The A321neo is a narrow-body jet similar to the Boeing 737s that Alaska Airlines uses for its...

Alaska B737-900 0

Last Chance to Transfer AMEX Points to Alaska Airlines via Hawaiian Airlines (+Consolidate your Alaska Airlines miles)

As the merger of loyalty programs between Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines approaches, the opportunity to transfer AMEX Membership Rewards points is quickly disappearing. Starting July 1st, 2025 (less than 30 days away), Hawaiian Airlines will no longer be an American Express transfer partner. Since September 26th, 2024, there has...

Mt. Fuji 0

ANA First Class: First Square vs. The Suite

On my recent trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to fly First Class with ANA, experiencing both their latest seat, The Suite, and their older First Square seat—each for the third time. The overall experience in both seats—service and food—remains largely the same, with a slight advantage when departing...

Lucerne, Switzerland 0

Verizon Wireless Unlimited Ultimate Plan: Best for World Travelers

As the upcoming summer travel season approaches, I want to remind everyone that traveling internationally with your current wireless provider doesn’t always mean paying exorbitant fees. Verizon Wireless (VZW) has a new plan, Unlimited Ultimate, which includes 15GB of high speed international data per month. It’s only $10/month more than...

Tagged Carry-on Bags 0

Best Oneworld Alliance Programs for JAL Awards to Japan

If you’re planning to use miles or points for a flight to Japan with Japan Airlines, it’s important to explore multiple Oneworld alliance programs, as pricing and availability can vary significantly. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and selecting the best option requires thorough research. Much like redeeming miles for ANA flights...