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Hawaiian Airlines First Class Review – Part II

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:53:10 +0000

We were airborne and on our way to Honolulu. Out the left window we could see Palos Verdes on a beautiful partly cloudy day. After about an hour into the flight, the flight attendants began service.

We enjoyed hot breakfast including quiche, sausage, eggs, and fresh fruit. The menu was designed by a chef on the islands according to a story on the menu itself.

The breakfast and beverages really hit the spot, so we settled in for a movie.

Five short hours we were on the ground and the pilots were nice enough to let us have a quick photo in the cockpit.

Hawaiian Airlines First Class Review – Part I

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:51:55 +0000

Preflight:

There is no doubt that recently the airlines have been cutting back. I guess I still didn’t expect the cuts to be as noticeable in First Class, but they were.

First let me say that this was our honeymoon trip, so we didn’t want to leave anything to chance, we purchased the first class tickets full-fare.

After paying so much, we wanted the service that went along with it, and were disappointed before we even got on the flight.

The gate agent sent us to the first class lounge to relax before we boarded the flight. The big downer about the Hawaiian first class lounge is that there was no booze. I’m left to wonder why they would even bother to set up a F/C lounge if the perks were just extra peanuts and free coffee/juice.

I asked the person in the F/C lounge if there were macadamia nuts at least, or some sort of Hawaiian themed food, but alas, there was none.

Needless to say, we didn’t stay in the lounge very long before we headed down to the main terminal area at LAX. We at least had to have a couple of Bloody Marys with the great unwashed public (i.e. the non-First Class people). Those drinks hit the spot!

Boarding:
We took every advantage to cut the line, and use the velvet rope privileges that go along with the first class tickets. This means that we were able to board the plane first and observe the rude behavior of a couple of other fellow passengers while they inconvenienced everyone in line. The big drama came when this high maintenance chick couldn’t put her backpack in her preferred storage space. As we settled into our seats, we were able to catch the attention of one of the 2 f/c flight attendants, a female who was long in the tooth finally gave us our champagne and guava pre-departure mimosas.

Fantasy Getaway: Richard Branson’s Necker Island

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:49:44 +0000

A quarter of an hour by boat from the small port of Limerick Bay on the island of Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands, is Necker Island, Sir Richard Branson’s private island paradise. Overlooking the deep blue waters of the Caribbean the 74 acre island sits surrounded by coral reefs and beautiful pristine white sandy beaches. The Island epitomizes the elegant lifestyle of the rich and famous.

When the owner is away, Necker Island can be rented exclusively for up to 28 people. Wealthy businessmen invite their friends for a birthday, wedding, the great escape away from Wall Street. On the visitors’ book: Lady Di was there twice with her children William and Harry. Later, drummer Roger Taylor of Queen, Melanie from the Spice Girls and others like Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, Robert de Niro, Mel Gibson, Rosanna Arquette, Bryan Ferry, Annie Lennox or George Michael. They all stayed in the Master Suite with the pool on the terrace, an entire apartment rather than just a room.

If you’re not looking to rent the entire Island, you can still enjoy the unique Necker Island experience during Celebration Weeks when individual rooms can be booked by singles or couples looking for a private hideaway, an island away from the stresses of everyday life, enjoying the cool breeze and fantastic views from private balconies.

The heart of the island, the beautiful Great House, sits on the top of Devils Hill and brings everyone together for dinner and drinks or dancing to the music of one of the local calypso bands. Hammocks and couches on the terrace provide for a relaxing and lazy afternoon.

So how much does this tropical fantasy getaway cost, you might ask. Rates during Celebration Weeks in 2008 (September 27th to October 4th and October 4th to the 11th) start from $23,500 per couple/per week to $322,000 to rent the entire island for 7 nights, and there is a 5-night minimum stay.

Necker Island is obviously not your typical beach side vacation nor one that too many of us can afford… but still, it’s nice to dream!

Elite Travel Portal to Review Frequent Flier Programs

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 01:21:36 +0000

As our staff increases, and we have to continue far and wide on all manner of various business trips, we’ll be updating our readers with benefits from frequent flier programs.

We are keen to analyze the differences among frequent flier programs, and use them to our utmost benefit. In turn, we want you to benefit as well. We encourage a discussion on frequent flier programs, so if you have valuable input, please let us know.