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Tokyo Narita United Club Review

A typical United lounge blessed with Japanese style

After our exhausting 13 hour flight from Washington, my father and I were eager to visit the United Club at Tokyo Narita for some food, some drinks, and some showers. We made our way from our arrival gate, 36, to the transfer desk to collect boarding passes for the next leg. We were directed to clear security again, but thankfully, the lines were short and the officers were efficient. Soon enough, we were on our way down an escalator, and at the bottom of it, we found ourselves in front of the entrance to the United Club. Continue reading “Tokyo Narita United Club Review” →

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Southeast Asian Summer Vacation

I was celebrating my seventh birthday the last time I was in Bangkok, and I’ve been intrigued by it ever since. Defined by perpetual hustle and bustle, over-the-top nightlife, and ornate temples and palaces from centuries past, Bangkok was characterized in a guide book as a “town of juxtapositions.” Within moments of leaving the airport, it’s obvious how “The Big Mango” earned such a reputation. Continue reading “Southeast Asian Summer Vacation” →

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Analyzing the 737 MAX in the contemporary aviation industry

The future of air travel?

Even though the first iteration of the 737 MAX has already taken to the skies this year, the 2017 Paris Air Show was the equivalent of a break-out party for this next generation of planes. The producer of them, Boeing, inked deals for 571 new orders over the course of the four day event, which inspired speculation regarding the development and progression of commercial air travel. Continue reading “Analyzing the 737 MAX in the contemporary aviation industry” →

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Debunking Chase’s 5/24 Rule

In the olden days of higher flying, it was possible to earn thousands upon thousands of points through a process called “churning.” The premise was simple enough: apply for a compelling credit card, complete the minimum spend and earn the signing bonus, then cancel the account. Shortly thereafter, reapply for that same card. Repeat over and over again to collect an unlimited amount of points.

Unfortunately, you can’t do that anymore.

Continue reading “Debunking Chase’s 5/24 Rule” →

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How To: Boost and maintain your credit score, student edition

In the Beginner’s Guide and throughout The Higher Flyer, I stress the importance of maintaining a good credit score. Everyone should have at least a 675, because without that, you won’t be approved for the cards required to earn lots of redeemable miles and points. Such a standard is pretty high already, and if you’re a student, you might not have a credit score at all. While that might seem problematic — how could you possibly get approved for a credit card? — you shouldn’t be discouraged. It’s entirely possible to build a score high enough to get you higher flying within a year.

Continue reading “How To: Boost and maintain your credit score, student edition” →

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Airbus unveils updated A380 at Paris Air Show

To renew interest in its otherwise fledgling A380 program, Airbus announced an updated version of its double-deckered plane at the Paris Air Show today: the A380plus. Toting winglets that improve fuel burn by 4% and a redesigned cabin capable of holding 80 additional passengers (for a total of 960 in an all-economy configuration with 3-5-3 abreast), Airbus says that this new iteration of the superjumbo will reduce the cost per seat ratio by 13%. In an industry characterized by razor-thin profit margins, these refinements could make the difference of being in the black or in the red.

Continue reading “Airbus unveils updated A380 at Paris Air Show” →

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How To: Boost and maintain your credit score

As I write in the Beginner’s Guide, it’s quite difficult to fly higher without the assistance of credit cards; through signing bonuses and daily spend, you can earn a significant number of points which you can then use for travel redemptions. To have access to the best ones, you should have a credit score of at least 675, which, all things considered, is high. If your credit score isn’t at that level, don’t worry, because that won’t stop you from becoming a higher flyer. There are just some steps that you need to take before you try to enter the world of miles and points. I outline below what to do in order to get started with higher flyer credit cards.

Continue reading “How To: Boost and maintain your credit score” →

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Top 10: Ways to survive long-haul economy class

The image above depicts a long-haul economy class that only exists in the minds of those who work in the Cathay Pacific (or some other airline’s) marketing department. For everyone else, the reality is a cramped and dark environment that’s crammed full with irritating passengers and irritable flight attendants. As the flight goes into its umpteenth hour, you’re uncomfortable from sitting in the same place for hours; you can’t feel your legs anymore and your butt hurts. Meanwhile, you’re floating in and out of consciousness as you try to fend off boredom. The worst moment comes when you’re tired and hungry and miserable, but there are still three hours remaining in your flight. Gah!

Continue reading “Top 10: Ways to survive long-haul economy class” →

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So what is a “higher flyer” anyway?

I’ve found that trying to explain The Higher Flyer to someone who isn’t familiar with the world of miles and points can be a bit of a challenge at times. While a THF Glossary (that can be viewed here)  is expanding daily, the namesake of the website seems deserving of a more detailed explanation beyond a few lines. Because the phrase itself can act as a noun, adjective, and a verb, and it also refers to facets of travel beyond flying, things can get confusing at times. For the sake of clarity, here’s a brief primer on what defines “higher flyer.”

Continue reading “So what is a “higher flyer” anyway?” →

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