Normally, year-end airline rates would signifcantly go up; this year it was wayyyy up! In the past I would add about US$600 roundtrip upgrade from economy promo to restricted business class on my normal international route to Manila. This time, that same amount only secured for me a one-way upgrade. The food has not changed much (although an Australian colleague commented that Emirates, on its long haul flights from Dubai to Australia via Bangkok, have the biggest serving of economy meals at 30,000 ft.). One good thing about the new business class service in some airlines, the seats have morphed to something similar to the sleeper class.
As I checked fares for my planned trips next year, in the hopes of an early bird discount, only a trickle still have good rates like THY for European cities, Etihad and Dragonair (Cathay’s budget airline) for Asian destination while Gulf Air still quotes the best rate to New York via Paris or London Heathrow (code sharing with American Airlines). Anyway, those high-flying fares are a real dig into the budget. Best thing to do is let those coins keep dropping into the piggy bank to save up for these eventualities.
Well, I am travelling to Manila in time for the New Year and definitely have my first highlights and photos uploaded to this blog thereafter.
Peregrine Street 