Hub

So 6-8 Asahis and a Tetleys at the turn is not the best way to go? Hub

A few years ago friend I had come over had had two back operations and been hit by a piece of the WTC when it fell. We flew Cathay Pacific to Bangkkok. I asked for him at JFK for upgrade (him only), we were flying econ. After arriving Hong Kong, we both got upgraded to business class. Can't hurt to ask. I get upgraded in hotels to exec level sometimes on business just by requesting. Hub

When you check in, have them show you the room. Some are better than others. Also, stay in the wing away from Soi 8, as its much quieter in the am. I can't remember if its wing a or b. The suites on the 7th floor are nice (or used to be, it's been a few years) with nice bathroom two tvs, over pool and partial bay view. Last time they gave to me for 1,350/night, as they botched my suite reservation at the Bella Vista. Hub

Agree with Emil, EP better. I also think you get to use the EP pool if staying at Bella Vista (Same owners). Hub

Alan: One more thing to know about the Cathay flight (which so far seems about $300 less than your next alternative), is that Cathay allows a free stopover in Hong Kong. Thats what we are doing on our return flight during June, for the same reasons you stated and also to see a friend in HK. We are hanging in HK for a day and overnight, and then we get the non-stop flight back that gets back in JFK at 2 pm. Jet Blue flies into JFK, BTW - I was trying to hook up flights for someone from Boston and it was around $40-50 each way to JFK on Jet Blue. Hub

alan; Before May 31, CATHAY to Bangkok from JFK should be about $700 (or $850 w/ taxes). Includes a non-stop jfk-hk which cuts down travel time. Also, it's a much better airline than the domestic carriers, IMO( food, ife, service). Only cons I can think of are having to use JFK and Asia Miles program not asgood as some others. Hub

Steve: If you can get an economy shuttle over to LAX, Cathay is $709 (850 w/taxes) during May. Unfortunately, fares evrywhere jump up during June, when I need to find tickets for some friends and family. Hub

Tom will clarify, but usually a bunch of discounted seats open up about three months prior - not sure if the dynamic is the same for high high season. If you are pondering FF mileage tickets, then as soon as they open - usually 270 days prior. Hub

I've played a lot of golf in May in Thailand. Yes it is hot, but definitely playable. Carts are almost mandatory, we tried to walk Pheonix once and almost perished after nine holes. Rain is usually only brief and shouldn't stop you most days. I will be around almost all of June and Doghaus and others have tentatively already discussed some golf plans if you want to play a few rounds. Hub

Ting Tong: Ao prao seems the nicest, but will be quiet on the west side of the Island. Can get online for around 2,800-4,000. http://www.precisionreservations.com Sai Kaew Beach Resort quoted me 1,000/night in person, but two years ago, and have heard good things about it. Looked nice too and on main beach with a lot of places to eat and hang out. Unfortunately, I stayed with my friend at Malibu, which I would not recommend. Samed Cliff is supposed to be good, 1400 but includes tax and bfast: http://r24.org/kosamet.net/rayong/samedcliff/ Hub

As did I. Breakfast for two incl.

Thats why an infrequent flier like me can keep multiple FF programs going and pick and choose flights without being slave to one. Right now I have over 40K on American and Delta, and approacing 20K on Contental and USairways, and miles in others as well. So I pick and choose, including all the partner airlines. Deals like the CC free mileage can put you over the top for one trip for a domestic or international flight, for previous airlines you have selected based on all the other variables you cite. Also, occasionally sacirificing schedule or something else if it will give me a free $

Errrr....., you totally lost me there How does accumulating miles on various CCs at literally no cost, with no indication by anyone that they are selecting flights by what miles to accumulate, make this a "losers game"? I happen to agree with you to a point; for example, I'd rather fly Cathay for a better flight and only get crappy AsiaMiles than NWA to accumulate WP miles, but then again I am an infrequent flier compared to some. For frequent fliers, not to strongly consider FF miles and sticking to a program to reach thresholds, with all the benefits involved, would be foo

Good point, that road is dark and winding. I only walked it a few times at night, but for no other reason than coincedence. I guess you have to be OK with motorbike taxis or a few extra baht on the way back for a contracted baht bus. Wasn't really a problem with me. Hub

I think we are both gonna get old waiting fot that one to come around again.

Thanks, Good info also, looks like my next two CCs after I cancel the ones I have, as I have around 13K and 40K with those two carriers. Hub

If anyone is interested in accruing AA miles, AA is offering 15K for signing up for their credit card. The special part is that there is no annual fee. Just make a purchase and then cancel card later after the miles hit your account. https://www.aa.com/apps/netSAAver/ViewPromo...romotionContent You'll need only 10k more miles for a free domestic RT ticket, which can come pretty quick if you stay at hotels or rent cars for work. One of the good things about AA is that Cathay Pacific is their partner, which is a very good airline. 70K needed for LOS RT award. Hub

Catbear: It is a decent walk (maybe 1/8 - 1/4 mile) to 2nd Road, but when I stayed there I only walked once or twice in two weeks. As you can see from the map below for Jamesons (attached to hotel), it's about same as walking down Soi 7 or 8). I had a scooter for the day. At night, if I was going out to drink, I would use the motobike taxis, as there are usually a few outside the entrance. I did see occasional baht buses pass by as well and I think we jumped on these once or twice. If you are nervous using motobike taxi, you could always pay them 20 baht or so just for the 1/4

I remember Eastinny Place on Soi 8 having both channels (I watched a few NFL games there). Rooms around 800/night. Hub

That's a great story of taking advantage of getting bumped - I remember a family friend had a similar one in Florida where he just rented a car and drove across aligator alley after getting cash. The problem is that the FF tickets that have opened up to date (twice out of about 30-40 calls) via the NWA reservation line were either via Korean (more expensive also than NWA) or even better, the quicker eastern route (I think 17.5 hours flight time) via Air France which would be much more expensive. We would even have a 12-hour layover in Paris to do some exploring and meet some CESMs .

Emil: Last weekend I almost converted a bunch off AA miles to NWA miles via the crappy exchange rate through hilton honors (I desperately need 9,500 NWA miles to get to 120,000 and book two tickets for LOS). The only thing that stopped me was if that special might return. Anyone have some NWA miles lying around they don't plan to use? Hub

http://www.cathay-usa.com/ For many of those that have flown CX before and enjoyed it, economy RT from LA to BKK for $722 or from NYC for $782. I don't like JFK, but includes those non-stop JFK-BKK flights. Includes 18K asia miles. Hub

Not sure if this information is current, but you can call to check: THAI LIMOUSINE Baht 200 per person (ticket need to be reserved 0.30-1 hour). From airport at 9.00,12.00,19.00 hrs. to Pattaya (Central Pattaya ). Contact counter No. 7 at terminal 1 From Pattaya at 6.30, l4.00, 18.30 hrs. (Central Pattaya). Contact Prapirap Co.ltd. Tel. (038) 423140-2 Hub

Royal Cliff apartments: http://www.royalcliffgardensuites.com/room_garden.html One month available for 40,000-45,000. I would assume if it up to the standards of the rest of the Royal Cliff it would be very nice. If you stay, please post a trip report. Nova Park Hotel: http://www.novaparkpattaya.com/RoomRate.asp http://www.pattayamail.com/511/features.shtml 45000 during high season. I stayed last april and negotiated one bedroom down to around 20. I liked it, great irish pub next door, very nice pool with food from the pub. Off thebeaten path just a bit (behind

Sorry: BVP - Bella Villa Prima, Soi 4 - wireless, nicer furniture, full kitchen. Eastinny Place, Soi 8. Suites interconnected rooms, no door to separate, but always found it a good value/location, especially on seventh floor suites. Hub