Re: Uzbekistan Airways: Silk Road highlights in Business Class

Debonair, I didn’t know that RJ take over. I think it’s not the one I took. The registration UK787005 seems to be the one with the angled 2-2-2 in beige like in RJ. They must have got a good deal for the take over. Actually, according to different sources UK787003 is ex RJ. I think you are right. I...

Re: Uzbekistan Airways: Silk Road highlights in Business Class

This is an amazing trip report! As an English only speaker, do you think I will have issues navigating the country? I tend to solo travel alot. What about internet, is there wifi and such? maverick4002. It was not a problem with me. I don’t speak Russian either. People are very friendly, they would...

Re: Uzbekistan Airways: Silk Road highlights in Business Class

Debonair, I didn’t know that RJ take over. I think it’s not the one I took. The registration UK787005 seems to be the one with the angled 2-2-2 in beige like in RJ. They must have got a good deal for the take over. Their other 787 planes are in black generic colour like what I had shown. Thank you f...

Re: Tashkent to Incheon on an Uzbekistan Airways Dreamliner in Economy

Thank you for this wonderful read Amc a detailed account. I just did a report on the business class experience of Uzbekistan Airways. It’s so interesting to note that there is a parallel but completely segregated experience inside Tashkent airport between business class and economy class. Thank you ...

Re: Uzbekistan Airways: Silk Road highlights in Business Class

Part 4: Tashkent – Delhi Flight: Uzbekistan Airways Number: HY421 Aircraft: 767-300 Registration: UK-767XX Seating: 2C Load: 80% This will be a short segment. We arrived at the international terminal, dropped outside the gate, and had to lug our bags to the departure building on the 2nd storey. htt...

Re: Uzbekistan Airways: Silk Road highlights in Business Class

Part 3: Samarkand, Bukhara, and High Speed Rail Flight: Uzbekistan Airways Number: HY43 Aircraft: A320 Registration: UK-320XX Seating: 7A Load: 70% The domestic airport of Tashkent is a white elephant. It is 1.5 km away from the international terminal, poorly connected to it or to the city. https:/...

Re: Uzbekistan Airways: Silk Road highlights in Business Class

Flight: Uzbekistan Airways Number: HY102 Aircraft: 787-800 Registration: UK-78701 Seating: 1J Load: 8% The return flight to Tashkent was also a daytime flight. HY uses Terminal 4 at JFK just like many other international airlines and was plying the route twice a week non stop. Judging from the crow...

Re: Uzbekistan Airways: Silk Road highlights in Business Class

Part 2: Round trip Dreamliner to New York Flight: Uzbekistan Airways Number: HY101 Aircraft: 787-800 Registration: UK-78701 Seating: 4C Load: 50% We spent 2 days in Tashkent, and then we were off to New York. Tashkent - New York flight departs at 640am in the morning. So we had to wake up at 3am an...

Uzbekistan Airways: Silk Road highlights in Business Class

Background: How the world has changed so drastically in the last 2 months. We are all now grounded and there is no end in sight yet to lock downs of various degrees. This trip report is my last trip which also partially occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic. On the outbound in late January, everyth...

Re: Saudia Unveiled: IST-RUH-BOM in J and a peek of newly-open Saudi Arabia

Superb report! Reminds me of my own experience in Saudi two weeks ago. @all It's also perfectly possible to rent a SUV in Riyadh and drive yourself to edge of the world. Saves quite a bit of the costs. I rented through Al Wefaq and paid about 100$ for the day. The offroad part is not too hard to dr...

Re: Saudia Unveiled: IST-RUH-BOM in J and a peek of newly-open Saudi Arabia

Thank you for this interesting, amazing trip report. Would you mind to tell us how much the tour to the Edge of the World costed and where did you book it? Thank you in advance for sharing this information! I booked a tour with Arabia Travel http://www.arabiatravel.org He has very nice pictures of ...

Re: Saudia Unveiled: IST-RUH-BOM in J and a peek of newly-open Saudi Arabia

Great report! Slight nitpick: King Fahd was the 5th King, not 2nd. 2nd King was Saud, who was deposed in the 1960s. (Son of founder ibn Saud) Ah. It's Faisal. In the movie, he is the son of Abdul Aziz so I keep thinking 2nd. Anyway, I googled again. He is 3rd. In KSA, kingship passes to brothers an...

Re: Saudia Unveiled: IST-RUH-BOM in J and a peek of newly-open Saudi Arabia

Sort of looks like death valley to me https://www.google.com/search?safe=strict&biw=1280&bih=721&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=-rYTXraFG8GwtQXU_LfIDg&q=death+valley+dante%27s+view&oq=death+valley+dan&gs_l=img.1.0.0l4j0i8i30l5j0i24.6257.9005..9984...1.0..0.80.575.9......0....1..gw...

Re: Over the Blue Lagoon: Bora Bora French Polynesia with Air Tahiti and the Conrad

ExpatVet wrote:

Huzzah! A SQueeze report! Always fascinating to read.

Re: Saudia Unveiled: IST-RUH-BOM in J and a peek of newly-open Saudi Arabia

Great report! Slight nitpick: King Fahd was the 5th King, not 2nd. 2nd King was Saud, who was deposed in the 1960s. (Son of founder ibn Saud) Ah. It's Faisal. In the movie, he is the son of Abdul Aziz so I keep thinking 2nd. Anyway, I googled again. He is 3rd. In KSA, kingship passes to brothers an...

Re: Saudia Unveiled: IST-RUH-BOM in J and a peek of newly-open Saudi Arabia

Part 3: Riyadh to Mumbai Flight: Saudia Number: SV740 Aircraft: A330-300 Registration: HZ-AQ20 Seating: 1L Load: 10% My flight to Mumbai was scheduled at 2am. I reached the airport at 8pm, only to realise that they wouldn’t accept me in even with boarding pass in hand, and I had to escalate it to t...

Re: Saudia Unveiled: IST-RUH-BOM in J and a peek of newly-open Saudi Arabia

Part 2: Riyadh and the Edge of the World When I first planned this weekend, I was contemplating between Jeddah or Riyadh. Most people pointed me to Jeddah, saying it was more open, more friendly, more things to see, more buzzing. But I thought that’s not really what I am looking for. Not a Mumbai. ...

Saudia Unveiled: IST-RUH-BOM in J and a peek of newly-open Saudi Arabia

Background: In September 2019, Saudi Arabia threw open its doors to foreign tourists with a drastically simplified visa procedure. For citizens of 49 countries, Singapore included, visa is to be obtained instantaneously through self service visa application stations at the airport, or online. The p...

Re: Over the Blue Lagoon: Bora Bora French Polynesia with Air Tahiti and the Conrad

Thanks for the very nice report on an odd destination. Good to hear and see this positive perspective as I had heard a colleague complaining a few years ago how Bora Bora had been disappointing to her and not worth the long journey. Thank you! I could perhaps understand your friend's point of view ...

Re: Over the Blue Lagoon: Bora Bora French Polynesia with Air Tahiti and the Conrad

Amazing! I really like the versatility of your TRs with always great pictures! There is also a segregated area for premium passengers. I am not sure who this is for as there is only economy class service on all domestic Air Tahiti flights. The sign at the left (behind the couch) reads " Waitin...

Re: Over the Blue Lagoon: Bora Bora French Polynesia with Air Tahiti and the Conrad

Part 4: Tahiti to Auckland Flight: Air New Zealand Number: NZ43 Aircraft: 787-900 Registration: ZK-NZL Seating: 25K Load: 100% On arrival at PPT, we waited at the non-air conditioned airport for another 6 hours on this bench. And yes, we endured and we survived. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...

Re: Over the Blue Lagoon: Bora Bora French Polynesia with Air Tahiti and the Conrad

Part 3: Bora Bora-Tahiti Flight: Air Tahiti Number: VT465 Aircraft: ATR72 Registration: F-ORVV Seating: Free seating Load: 90% On the fourth day and after some wonderful facial and massage, we packed up to make our long way journey back to the eastern hemisphere. We repeated our route, again the US...

Re: Over the Blue Lagoon: Bora Bora French Polynesia with Air Tahiti and the Conrad

Part 2: Conrad Bora Bora Conrad Bora Bora is beautiful with some of the clearest water I have ever seen anywhere. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48683753046_63f768ef8c_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49253571981_632c991a67_b.jpg It consists of mostly overwater villas, some beach vill...

Re: Over the Blue Lagoon: Bora Bora French Polynesia with Air Tahiti and the Conrad

The areas around the airport are also nothing short of spectacular. This is a stunning place, jaw-dropping stunning. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48119008183_58b61d8c04_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48119066702_39f467980f_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48118977176_4cecd...

Re: Over the Blue Lagoon: Bora Bora French Polynesia with Air Tahiti and the Conrad

Bora Bora is even more stunning from the sky. And the approach to it is nothing short of spectacular. Sit on the left side is best! At least on that day. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48966881687_75c2b801b6_b.jpg Bora bora, I believe is quite unique geographically. It has an island at the cent...

Re: Over the Blue Lagoon: Bora Bora French Polynesia with Air Tahiti and the Conrad

Our flight that day was a short distance, something like from Paris to Normandy, but still it had a stop at Raiatea. Air Tahiti flights work like local bus service for islanders. I believe they have separate subsidised fares. It’s a 45 minute hop from Papeete to Raiatea but it is nothing short of sp...

Over the Blue Lagoon: Bora Bora French Polynesia with Air Tahiti and the Conrad

Background: To many people, this would be trip of a lifetime, and an idea of paradise. For me, at least until recently, I have the impression that islands are hot, humid and sticky (aka not paradise). So this trip has never been in my radar for many years. It’s also far too far for something that p...

Re: Bhutan Airlines and Paro airport's incredible dangerous approach

Part 3 Flight: B3 700 (PBH-CCU-BKK) Aircraft: A319 Reg: A5-RIM Seat: 1A Class: Business Class Load: 4/12 After a short 4 day stay (basically also just about how much I can afford at the moment), we have to go home. Note that there is a minimum charge of USD220 per head per night to be paid as royal...

Re: Bhutan Airlines and Paro airport's incredible dangerous approach

Part 2: About Bhutan, for me, paradise on earth I didn’t expect Bhutan to be great. I have been going in and out of the mountains in India, Nepal, Tibet, and I know there the mountains are bigger and steeper, and more impressive. But I changed my mind in this trip. Bhutan is a favourite. It has a t...

Bhutan Airlines and Paro airport's incredible dangerous approach

Background: Some months back, I had the fortunate opportunity to visit the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, a tiny nation sandwiched between 2 giant neighbours, India and China, and is what seemingly like a paradise to a lot of outsiders. A highlight of this trip was landing and taking off from Paro ai...

Re: Turkmenistan Airlines Business Class: The President is Watching ...

Thank you all for the appreciation. I truly enjoy these experiences and share. Very nice report. I don't think I've ever read a report on Turkmenistan before. Thanks for posting. I flew on Uzbek about 15 years back. This was quite similar. I wonder why they serve beef on a flight originating out of ...

Re: Turkmenistan to Birmingham? Why?

I've always been intrigued by this flight. Have to give it up to T5 for capitalizing on this opportunity. I'm sure it's a much needed source of foreign currency. There are certainly some interesting reviews on skytrax. Would love to see a TR. I'm assuming they serve Indian food even ex-BHX? I just ...

Re: Turkmenistan Airlines Business Class: The President is Watching ...

Taxi to the runway was quite short and this was the last look of the incredible bird terminal. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7850/47440764961_34f4296361_b.jpg The weather was not too good but I could spot some of Ashgabat’s grandiose projects. I definitely wish to come back (if I could sort the cum...

Re: Turkmenistan Airlines Business Class: The President is Watching ...

Transfer passengers had to go through a security checkpoint but it was not manned and I just strolled through. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7812/40474819603_bf78c63eeb_b.jpg The departure concourse is just as glossy and flamboyant with lots of motifs. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7811/3356468081...

Turkmenistan Airlines Business Class: The President is Watching ...

Background Turkmenistan Airlines just made news recently. In early February, it was banned from EU airspace, and the UK followed suit. So I feel fortunate that I managed to get to try this enigmatic, and elusive airline just recently prior to the ban and transitted through a little-visited country....

Re: Return of the prodigal son - Air Deccan BOM-ISK-PNQ

It’s a pity. Both Air Deccan and Air Odisha website have been taken down. They are gone,
Looks like all these UDAAN flights are really a struggle to keep up. Even Supreme Airlines out of Jaipur now trimmed their flights till just 2 destinations.

Re: Throwback to USSR: Ukraine Int'l to Kyiv and the State Aviation Museum

Very nice trip report! Thank you. Is English commonly spoken over there? If I go there as an English speaker, will I be able to get by? Hi. I had completed the trip. Trip report on Antonov is below. Don’t miss it. It’s with Motorsich airlines. Easy to book online on their website https://www.airlin...

Re: Throwback to USSR: Ukraine Int'l to Kyiv and the State Aviation Museum

Just found this report. Very nice. I have also been in the Ukraine and Belarus a few weeks ago. I really loved Kiev as well as I share similar interest like you in Soviet architecture and of course aviation. I didn’t manage to see the crematorium but the other building and probably know where your ...

Re: Throwback to USSR: Ukraine Int'l to Kyiv and the State Aviation Museum

SQueeze, thanks for the trip report. Most informative for me as I will be in Kiev in 2 months. I am flying UIA and also will be doing a couple of internal flights as well. I am looking forward to my trip and your report has gotten me super keen!! Thanks for taking the time to share Cheers VHECA Enj...

Re: Saudia business class for <500 Euro: Rome-Jakarta

Excellent and well detailed report Charles as usual :) It's always a pleasure to read yours! Saudi Arabia was supposed to start issuing tourist visas as of April 1, 2018! any news on that process? Can you confirm if the special lane is for USA bound flights or only dedicated to US citizens? If it's...

Re: Saudia business class for <500 Euro: Rome-Jakarta

Chapter 2: Riyadh-Jakarta Flight: SV822 Aircraft: 777-300ER Registration: HZ-AK12 Class: Business Seat: 1A Load: 6/30 (20%) Riyadh terminal building is huge but was also extremely crowded that night. The waiting areas were brimming with labourers from various parts of Asia and Africa. I have no iss...

Saudia business class for <500 Euro: Rome-Jakarta

Background: Saudia has been in my radar for a Long time. The closed country is mysterious and for those who has been following my reports will know that I have special affinity for obscure places which the general public will steer clear of. I got excited when Saudia released cheap business fares f...

Re: TAROM old school economy service from Moldova to Rome

Chapter 2: TAROM 737-700 (1993 vintage) from Bucharest to Rome Flight: RO403 Aircraft: 737-700 Registration: YR-BGF Class: Economy Seat:7F Load: 100% The gate was packed and luckily boarding commenced on time and in Romanian order (not so orderly :). https://farm1.staticflickr.com/931/42019466040_3...

TAROM old school economy service from Moldova to Rome

Background: The 3rd installment of my USSR series brings us to another retro experience with TAROM. While it’s not exactly as retro as the experiences in Ukraine and Transnistria, and I was not expecting to write a report on TAROM (originally thinking that it would be just a regular intro-European ...

Re: Time travelling to USSR: An-24 to Odesa and overlanding through Transnistria PMR

Thanks for the tips. Will check these out. i am planning to go to Crimea. Izhavia seems to serve a route there. Just a reminder/warning: If you decide to go to Crimea - be aware that you do not leave any trace of that if you want to visit Ukraine one day again ... Ukraine still considers Crimea as ...

Re: Time travelling to USSR: An-24 to Odesa and overlanding through Transnistria PMR

Interesting TR. I wouldn´t consider going to Transnistria since it is obviously not really different from Ukraine ... Regarding Motor Sich I have flown with them a few times. Tried to catch the AN-140 several times but always failed so far. The highest "score" so far was flying their YAK-...

Re: Flying the 757 Combi with Nepal Airlines!

Wow this is such a throwback to 18 years ago on my first trip to Nepal, also with Royal Nepal Airlines (that;s what they were called last time). We flew from SIN-BKK-KTM. The air stewardess uniform back then was traditional dress (the one with 'apron' thing). Is it still the same? It was on a 757-co...

Re: Houston to Auckland in Premium Economy on Air New Zealand's Boeing 787-9

Wow. $280 is totally worth it. I thought usually airlines have minimum bids which usually already are quite high and unattractive. I was checking Air Canada for a SYD-YVR upgrade for my sister (Y to Y+) and the minimum bid was close to $1000! I can't help but took pleasure in some of the sarcastic r...

Re: Time travelling to USSR: An-24 to Odesa and overlanding through Transnistria PMR

Chapter 3: an unrecognised republic, Transnistria PMR Where is Transnistria PMR? At the collapse of the Soviet Union, numerous states emerged independent. Some everyone knows of (such as Ukraine and Kazakhstan). Some is not so well-known except to the more geographically-savvy (such as Tajikistan, ...

Re: Time travelling to USSR: An-24 to Odesa and overlanding through Transnistria PMR

Chapter 2: Odesa Odesa is famously beautiful. Unlike Kiev, I feel it has a lot less Slavic flavour and feels a lot more Central European. It is extreme eclectic, and I can’t in fact think of any other cities I have been which has so much diversity of architectural style. Odesa is Neo classical, Ren...