Bought a plane ticket to USA, today....

[moontang]

I decided to take a chance.  I usually visit in September.  Going on Cathay Pacific through HKG to Seattle, then Alaska Air to Philly, then a short hop to Virginia.  72 USD and 37,500 miles.   Can't even understand their rules on changes, but looks like I can change dates.  Ticket is for Mid October..now the big question is when can I come back without a huge hassle and/or quarantine.  I can't see them waiting that long to open for Chinese, err I mean tourists.

 

Is Alaska Air still better than the rest, or has it turned into the same pile of <deleted>?

[ThailandRyan]

Alaska Air as always has been on time and upfront.  Just make sure your at the gate plenty of time before the flight leaves as they have a tendency of shutting the door 10 minutes prior and not allowing any further boarding.  Because of this I missed a connecting flight as I had to wait another 2 hours for the next flight out from Seattle to Portland, back last June, as I had just landed from the Philippines and sorting out immigration and then getting to the gate put me there just after they shu the door and the plane was still there.  No way in hell would they let me board, guess that's why they have always had the best on-time percentage as an Airline...... 

[moontang]

44 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Alaska Air as always has been on time and upfront.  Just make sure your at the gate plenty of time before the flight leaves as they have a tendency of shutting the door 10 minutes prior and not allowing any further boarding.  Because of this I missed a connecting flight as I had to wait another 2 hours for the next flight out from Seattle to Portland, back last June, as I had just landed from the Philippines and sorting out immigration and then getting to the gate put me there just after they shu the door and the plane was still there.  No way in hell would they let me board, guess that's why they have always had the best on-time percentage as an Airline...... 

They used to tout fresh salmon served in economy...I won't hold my breath..and they all say wifi now, but how much, <deleted>.  I got 93 minutes to clear at Seattle and connect..hope that is feasible.  Locking the door early is almost like some childish game those on a power Trip play.  I barely missed my group last year, and she gave me <deleted>, even though there were still more than 100 people left to board.

[mfd101]

To an Antipodean US72 for that trip sounds mind-bogglingly CHEAP.

 

I certainly wouldn't be complaining whatever happened.

[buick]

i use SEA a few times a year for my asia/USA trips.  that cathay flight arrives at night, i think an hour or two after the EVA flight.  so customs/immigration should be fairly clear.  it is a total nightmare when you arrive btwn 11am and 1pm.  if you haven't already, you should download the US passport app (assuming you have a US passport).  i think that helps get you through the process quicker (assuming your phone will have internet connection upon landing).  i can't tell you from personal experience on the passport app as i've been flagged as a 'problem' so i go through secondary every time i arrive.  but as i've stood in lines (during the 11am-1pm nightmare) all the people with the US passport app are allowed to go through and don't wait in line.

 

they are opening a new arrivals facility sometime soon.  not sure on the date/month.

 

 

[moontang]

Haven't used an arrival card at IAD in a few years..I scan my passport, then line up..yes, getting in late around 11 pm, and I believe you about midday.  Just about as obnoxious as it gets at ORD around lunchtime.

[sqwakvfr]

Same here.  Mid October.  On SQ.  Making backup plans in case I cant get back into LOS.  Also, if I am allowed back into LOS then I could be quarantined(this I would gladly accept as the price for being allowed back in).  Getting a Covid 19 test in the US by October might be doable?   Many moving pieces and too many possibilities to contemplate. At this time Singapore does not allow in international transit passengers(hope it will be open by Oct?).  Also, so far the US has not required quarantine for returning citizens.  Just saw a YouTube video of a travel vlogging couple who flew into DFW from NRT on Japan Airlines and they said it took 5 minutes to get through US Customs and Immigration(What the heck?).  They took the journey in late April 2020.  

 

I do know Chiang Mai Medical Clinic is offering a Covid 19 antibody test for 1395 Baht and  you just need to make an appointment and not have any symptoms.  Might be worth it before I fly.  

 

Moontang, good luck on your journey.  

[Keyser Soze666]

If not until MId-Oct why book now, coz the cheap prices one assumes?

[moontang]

2 minutes ago, sqwakvfr said:

Same here.  Mid October.  On SQ.  Making backup plans in case I cant get back into LOS.  Also, if I am allowed back into LOS then I could be quarantined(this I would gladly accept as the price for being allowed back in).  Getting a Covid 19 test in the US by October might be doable?   Many moving pieces and too many possibilities to contemplate. At this time Singapore does not allow in international transit passengers(hope it will be open by Oct?).  Also, so far the US has not required quarantine for returning citizens.  Just saw a YouTube video of a travel vlogging couple who flew into DFW from NRT on Japan Airlines and they said it took 5 minutes to get through US Customs and Immigration(What the heck?).  They took the journey in late April 2020.  

 

I do know Chiang Mai Medical Clinic is offering a Covid 19 antibody test for 1395 Baht and  you just need to make an appointment and not have any symptoms.  Might be worth it before I fly.  

 

Moontang, good luck on your journey.  

I think you will be a lot more likely to need a recent test to get back in, than to get into the us, provided you are a citizen.  I know a travel medical specialist, who does all that stuff, but that is about 100 miles from my parents, as well as Kalorama, which I would like to avoid as much as the virus, itself.  Need to extend visa by 9 January and have my new insurance scam certificate for my OA.  Been here 6.5 years..no regrets, but I am probably closer to calling it quits now, than ever before.  

[moontang]

7 minutes ago, Keyser Soze666 said:

If not until MId-Oct why book now, coz the cheap prices one assumes?

I want to redeem my miles before they raise the amount needed, like Star Alliance just did.  No telling what kind of bogus surcharges might be coming.  Also, I no longer live near IAD, so it is tougher to get a decent flight.  The pickings can be slim, especially if you want to avoid UAL and AA.  Would also like to real the benefits of a near empty plane..so trying to time it a little.

[jmccarty]

I took Alaska Airlines on a SEA-PHX-SEA flight in January and Feb this year.  Flight on time. They have wifi for a price, I did not ask what the price was.  They had a menu in 1st class (which was not even business class on any international flight), good variety, can't recall what I ate, and made me a gin and tonic to calm my nerves.

[Keyser Soze666]

3 minutes ago, moontang said:

I want to redeem my miles before they raise the amount needed, like Star Alliance just did.  Also, I no longer live near IAD, so it is tougher to get a decent flight.  The pickings can be slim, especially if you want to avoid UAL and AA.

I'm tempted to book a UK flight for Oct but will hold off. Don't even know if the pubs will be open by then or can go and watch a game, so no point in going anyway, for me.

[moontang]

1 minute ago, Keyser Soze666 said:

I'm tempted to book a UK flight for Oct but will hold off. Don't even know if the pubs will be open by then or can go and watch a game, so no point in going anyway, for me.

I am fortunate to have both parents still around and don't want them to forget me, lol, but otherwise, I would wait for the new normal to be functioning instead of being a guinea pig for it.

[Thailand]

4 minutes ago, moontang said:

I am fortunate to have both parents still around and don't want them to forget me, lol, but otherwise, I would wait for the new normal to be functioning instead of being a guinea pig for it.

Talk to mine on LINE video or Skype, no reason to get on a plane. No plans to do so either.

 

But that's just our way of keeping in touch.

 

Sorry off topic.

[timendres]

1 hour ago, moontang said:

I decided to take a chance.  I usually visit in September.  Going on Cathay Pacific through HKG to Seattle, then Alaska Air to Philly, then a short hop to Virginia.  72 USD and 37,500 miles.

Is that a typo? $72 USD ?!

 

Oh.... You put 37,500 miles because you are using air miles to pay? 

[moontang]

Just now, timendres said:

Is that a typo? $72 USD ?!

No, I used air miles..the 72 is taxes and fees..20 USD+ to leave both BKK and Hong Kong.  Coming back will be more like 25.  Some places are much worse than others, and they change frequently, too.  Was five bucks to go through Dubai.

[moe666]

I have a feeling with the way the whole show in the USA is being handled thaoland will not allow travelers from the US for sometime to come, it appears that they are placing there attention on countries who have low virus cases, Korea and China at present. It will be a while before the US can get a handle on there problem namely the president.

[moontang]

17 minutes ago, moe666 said:

I have a feeling with the way the whole show in the USA is being handled thaoland will not allow travelers from the US for sometime to come, it appears that they are placing there attention on countries who have low virus cases, Korea and China at present. It will be a while before the US can get a handle on there problem namely the president.

The EuroTrash have fared no better.  Ever hear of Gilead?

[Deserted]

Not sure about Air Alakas reliability these days but I think they are still the only airline that flew a plane upside down above L.A until it crashed of course.

[alex8912]

Why not just fly Cathay non stop to Boston from HKG and then just have a one hour flight to Philly instead of six hours from Seattle? 

[Langsuan Man]

53 minutes ago, alex8912 said:

Why not just fly Cathay non stop to Boston from HKG and then just have a one hour flight to Philly instead of six hours from Seattle? 

Probably because that routing probably wasn't available using FF miles.  They don't offer the best routing when "they" are paying for the fare using your miles 

[dsj]

Hopefully Hong Kong airport will be open to allow passengers to transit thru by then.

[mtls2005]

18 hours ago, moontang said:

Can't even understand their rules on changes, but looks like I can change dates. 

 

It looks like you used AA (American Airlines) to redeem a one-way OneWorld award ticket from Asia Region 2 to the continental U.S. Huge benefit: no fuel (YQ) surcharges, so taxes and fees are minimal, when using AA or AS vs. 'foreign' OW partner-program awards. YQ for a trip like this might be ~ $400 (USD).

 

The AAdvantage program rules should be available for your review. I think some changes are coming June 1,

 

https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-new-award-ticket-change-fee-policy/

 

but changes to the itin, and cancelations/redeposit of miles usually have sliding fees based on status level.

 

IMO, using award miles, regardless of cancelation/rebooking fees, now is very wise. Limited financial exposure, and award inventory wide open.

 

Qatar Airways offers one-stop service to the U.S. (even today: ORD/DFW only) via DOH. They have a fairly liberal COVID policy re: cancelations/changes/vouchers and refunds. Often they have decent prices, saw sales last year at ~$600, with standard econpmy fares at ~$900. Business class (Q-Suite) at ~$4,500.

 

Not sure whe/if you plan to return to Thailand, but Oct/Nov might still require documentation (fit-to-fly), insurance and maybe even a newly issued tourist visa.

 

 

[thailand49]

I pretty much in the same situation but I haven't purchased a ticket yet. A ticket in October is a bit off that being said you take your chances since no one really has an idea what will happen. There is two camps lot down and wait it out until the numbers are gone or a vaccine or get on with your life do what you can based on the rules in place.

 

With you based on your remarks the key is whether Thailand by then will relax the requirement of a Doctor certification and insurance and whether the U.S. has restrictions like 14 days quarantine?  You will need to access your own situation use some critical thinking as to how long will your trip me and the need to return if for some reason there is another lockdown. That means if you are in the U.S. do you have a place to stay and if you need to return for family in Thailand or responsibility can they get on without you and do they have funds.

 

To me this is more important than the penalties of the tickets, normally you take the price of the ticket you purchased and read the fine prints there will be cancellation fees and for change of dates, you have a number of connections were they all done through one airline as a code share or did you do each one individually.

 

Personally, I think things will be o.k. depending on the length of the trip?  Good luck

[fred110]

16 hours ago, moe666 said:

I have a feeling with the way the whole show in the USA is being handled thaoland will not allow travelers from the US for sometime to come, it appears that they are placing there attention on countries who have low virus cases, Korea and China at present. It will be a while before the US can get a handle on there problem namely the president.

Actually if you look at number of cases and deaths by population,  the usa is about 8th, just above Germany. 

[wwest5829]

21 hours ago, ThailandRyan said:

Alaska Air as always has been on time and upfront.  Just make sure your at the gate plenty of time before the flight leaves as they have a tendency of shutting the door 10 minutes prior and not allowing any further boarding.  Because of this I missed a connecting flight as I had to wait another 2 hours for the next flight out from Seattle to Portland, back last June, as I had just landed from the Philippines and sorting out immigration and then getting to the gate put me there just after they shu the door and the plane was still there.  No way in hell would they let me board, guess that's why they have always had the best on-time percentage as an Airline...... 

At Reagan National one time, 1st Class Ticket but the gate door had just closed. Service food trunk was still plane side loading meals into the galley. Pointed this out and even had an airline person asking that I be allowed to board. Nope ... once the door closes, it is counted as an, "on time departure" never mind evidence to the contrary!

[Captain Monday]

On the right track but incorrect about on time tracking The departure is not recorded until parking brake is released and pushback starts monitored by ACARS and GPS. All this is tracked to the second. Every delay is investigated and blamed on somebody. The gate agents are under pressure to close the door early. If there is no excuse like maintenance, waiting for crew, etc. the DELAY is charged to them. Too many delays means discipline. The gate agents through operation blame us all the time.

 

"I'm all right jack ". They don't care if you miss your connection or not. I once missed a flight the door was closed and it sat there for 45 minutes with the beacon on. I found out later it was an ATC stop. The next flight was 7 hours later. They don't care if the cargo is late or catering is underway. Once the door is closed they are off the hook. Our company was working on a solution to bring some sanity to the process which will involve mobile tech. 

 

 

[moontang]

4 hours ago, alex8912 said:

Why not just fly Cathay non stop to Boston from HKG and then just have a one hour flight to Philly instead of six hours from Seattle? 

That was an option, but I still had to connect to an airport that connects to Charlottesville, and I think it would have been a 32 minute connection in Newark or similar, and it would suck to get delayed an entire day, after that long trip.  I also liked the idea of the four hour shorter trip to Seattle, a 90 minute layover, then a five hour trip to Philly.  Taxes are 16 usd more through Boston, too, but it was more about missing the last connection.  It is a beast no matter how you slice it...28 hours 1 minute..

[moontang]

3 hours ago, mtls2005 said:

 

It looks like you used AA (American Airlines) to redeem a one-way OneWorld award ticket from Asia Region 2 to the continental U.S. Huge benefit: no fuel (YQ) surcharges, so taxes and fees are minimal, when using AA or AS vs. 'foreign' OW partner-program awards. YQ for a trip like this might be ~ $400 (USD).

 

The AAdvantage program rules should be available for your review. I think some changes are coming June 1,

 

https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-new-award-ticket-change-fee-policy/

 

but changes to the itin, and cancelations/redeposit of miles usually have sliding fees based on status level.

 

IMO, using award miles, regardless of cancelation/rebooking fees, now is very wise. Limited financial exposure, and award inventory wide open.

 

Qatar Airways offers one-stop service to the U.S. (even today: ORD/DFW only) via DOH. They have a fairly liberal COVID policy re: cancelations/changes/vouchers and refunds. Often they have decent prices, saw sales last year at ~$600, with standard econpmy fares at ~$900. Business class (Q-Suite) at ~$4,500.

 

Not sure whe/if you plan to return to Thailand, but Oct/Nov might still require documentation (fit-to-fly), insurance and maybe even a newly issued tourist visa.

 

 

I just noticed it is now 44,000 miles for a one way award on UAL...was 65,000 for a round trip, not too long ago..then 40k for one way up until now.  Goal post movers...

 

I have an OA extension, so will be using a re-entry permit, and will likely be returning in November, but kind of gambling on what will be required..of course the insurance they required me to buy doesn't meet the current requirement, but I am willing to bet the requirements will at least be doable by November, or they will be in a world of hurt.  I think the Chinese flood gates will be open by July, and I can't see them being exempt from the same restrictions placed on us citizens (living here for years).  

[moontang]

6 hours ago, alex8912 said:

Why not just fly Cathay non stop to Boston from HKG and then just have a one hour flight to Philly instead of six hours from Seattle? 

Just rechecked..taxes are the same..but to Philadelphia, you would do a 16:05 long trip to Boston, then 1:38 to Philly=17:43...compare to 12:05 to Seattle, then 5:07 to Philly=17:12...and they are a little more restrictive to Boston, often charging 50k miles, instead of 37.5k..the least flight time would be ORD, then direct to Charlottesville..can be done in 26 hours..but..0630 departure from swampy..terrible, can't use rail, and more sleep deprivation..and it gets in at 2300 and I don't want M&P driving at night.  BTW, it was JFK charging 88 for taxes..going through San Diego is only 60..