Saturday, June 20, 2009
Long Halt at Mumbai Airport
If you fly International to Mumbai and have a long halt and do not want to stay over at a hotel and are without lounge access,I still recommend paying RS 550/- and using the lounge at Level1 at domestic airport.
Hotel in Kolkata
I stayed at Hotel Oberoi Grand in Kolkata during my earlier stay,while the room was large,the decor was old.The service was good,this time I stayed at Hotel Chrome a new boutique hotel,which is unique in every room being different.I liked the toiletteries being provided in test tubes.
Overall value for money.Aircon in lobby could have been better.
Overall value for money.Aircon in lobby could have been better.
Jet Airways
Recently flew JetAirways from Singapore to Mumbai,Kolkata and back to Singapore via Chennai.
While their International flights are very good and can be compared to Singapore Air.
The movies selection and food presentation while matching SQ are of pretty high standards.
They are not as consistent in domestic travel.If they have a better loyalty awards program,then it could become my preferred choice.
In my previous flight from Kolkata to Chennai there was IFE for each seat,while during my recent flight it was missing.Being a full service airline they should have Aerobridge facility at all terminals which is not the case.
While their International flights are very good and can be compared to Singapore Air.
The movies selection and food presentation while matching SQ are of pretty high standards.
They are not as consistent in domestic travel.If they have a better loyalty awards program,then it could become my preferred choice.
In my previous flight from Kolkata to Chennai there was IFE for each seat,while during my recent flight it was missing.Being a full service airline they should have Aerobridge facility at all terminals which is not the case.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Airport Lounges
Every traveler wants access to a lounge,if you are not flying business class or do not possess a certain status -how does one enjoy the benefits of a lounge?I recommend using Credit cards . However I just returned from a Trip to India so updating changes.
My preferences-
Diners Club International-Gets you access to a lounge in Singapore Plaza Premium(T2 and T3),Nairobi,Tokyo-Haneda Airport allows Lounge access for Diners Club members.
Diners also allows access to other loungers in international airports (Keep track through DC website)
Master Card allows some access in Indian airports in Chennai and Mumbai. From my recent travel to India,noticed that Clipper lounges allow only Citibank Platinum Master card and HDFC Platinum Master Card.
My preferences-
Diners Club International-Gets you access to a lounge in Singapore Plaza Premium(T2 and T3),Nairobi,Tokyo-Haneda Airport allows Lounge access for Diners Club members.
Diners also allows access to other loungers in international airports (Keep track through DC website)
Master Card allows some access in Indian airports in Chennai and Mumbai. From my recent travel to India,noticed that Clipper lounges allow only Citibank Platinum Master card and HDFC Platinum Master Card.
Hotel in Tanzania
I recommend the Hotel New Africa in Dar,it was comfortable.They organised a Airport Pick up (US$10) each way.
Internet access is paid,they have pre paid card system for internet access for duration specified.There are a lot of eating joints nearby.
In hotel eating option is also good.The breakfast is sumptuous with choices for Continental,Indian,Chinese and others.
I do not recommend making international calls from the rooms-as they may tell you one rate and charge you another!
Other amenities include a decently priced massage,free gymn use,Casino.
They booked me a room via email,and gave me a clean room at check in around 10:am,also allowed late check out till 16:00 hours.
Internet access is paid,they have pre paid card system for internet access for duration specified.There are a lot of eating joints nearby.
In hotel eating option is also good.The breakfast is sumptuous with choices for Continental,Indian,Chinese and others.
I do not recommend making international calls from the rooms-as they may tell you one rate and charge you another!
Other amenities include a decently priced massage,free gymn use,Casino.
They booked me a room via email,and gave me a clean room at check in around 10:am,also allowed late check out till 16:00 hours.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Kenyan Airways
Travel by this airline gave me a fixed feeling!I was looking forward to travel by "the pride of Africa".Got in at Bangkok and went to Nairobi,returned the same way.Singapore to Bangkok was via Thai Airways.
Nairobi to Dar Es Salaam was via Precision Air.
Precautions I took:Avoided checking in luggage as did not want missed baggage,so had carry on luggage.Tried to get upgraded-was not successful.
The inflight entertainment was a misnomer-as it was absent!The airhostess refused to take my jacket,finally she relented and my jacket was put in the business class section.
The personal screen system did not work !Apparently has not worked for many years.I had requested for Vegetarian meal-yes I got it!(Much better than many American Airlines).Used the opportunity to sleep through the flight-caught much needed sleep.On landing -there was no aerobridge,so had to walkdown and again up some cemented staircase.
Nairobi Airport needs a major refurbishment.Used my Diners Club card to get access to one of the lounges which had good internet access.The flight to Dar was good and on time.
Dar airport too needs a major refurbishment.
My return flights were on time.Again no complaint from Precision.The Kenyan Airways return flight had no IFE(yes the personal systems were absent).Flight was crowded,toilets dirty.
Will I fly again on Kenyan Airways?Yes-If I have no choice and can't change my travel dates!
What about Thai Airways?Yes no inflight entertainment on the flights from Sing-Bkk and return.
The aircarft looked new and clean,toilet was clean.Airhostess neatly attired.However on my onward flight service was lacking-no famous "Thai" Courtesy,the steward was more interested in chatting to the pretty women next to me than service.
My return flight was much better,with good service.
Nairobi to Dar Es Salaam was via Precision Air.
Precautions I took:Avoided checking in luggage as did not want missed baggage,so had carry on luggage.Tried to get upgraded-was not successful.
The inflight entertainment was a misnomer-as it was absent!The airhostess refused to take my jacket,finally she relented and my jacket was put in the business class section.
The personal screen system did not work !Apparently has not worked for many years.I had requested for Vegetarian meal-yes I got it!(Much better than many American Airlines).Used the opportunity to sleep through the flight-caught much needed sleep.On landing -there was no aerobridge,so had to walkdown and again up some cemented staircase.
Nairobi Airport needs a major refurbishment.Used my Diners Club card to get access to one of the lounges which had good internet access.The flight to Dar was good and on time.
Dar airport too needs a major refurbishment.
My return flights were on time.Again no complaint from Precision.The Kenyan Airways return flight had no IFE(yes the personal systems were absent).Flight was crowded,toilets dirty.
Will I fly again on Kenyan Airways?Yes-If I have no choice and can't change my travel dates!
What about Thai Airways?Yes no inflight entertainment on the flights from Sing-Bkk and return.
The aircarft looked new and clean,toilet was clean.Airhostess neatly attired.However on my onward flight service was lacking-no famous "Thai" Courtesy,the steward was more interested in chatting to the pretty women next to me than service.
My return flight was much better,with good service.
All Things Travel
I love traveling and while living in Asia,have traveled to Australia,Africa,America and Europe.I use the best hotels and best airlines while trying budget hotels and budget airlines.
The world has given me a varied and sobering experiences.This blog is an attempt to share my experiences and hopefully someone-somewhere can benefit.
Comments are welcome! keep looking at this page for new postings and articles
The world has given me a varied and sobering experiences.This blog is an attempt to share my experiences and hopefully someone-somewhere can benefit.
Comments are welcome! keep looking at this page for new postings and articles
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