China Air FF Program

[partyanimal 0]

This September will be my third trip on China Air (also have two on United) from NYC. A few questions for you guys that know the lowdown on China Air.

 

Was figuring I'd eventually get a free flight but looking at their program it appears that 100K miles only gets me to Tapei and that I'd need another 35K to get me from Tapei to BKK.

 

That makes using 20K for an upgrade more desirable. The upgrade would be from New York to Tapei. I can deal with flying steerage from Tapei to BKK.

 

What's dynasty class like? Is it more like first class or coach? Much more legroom than a bulkhead seat? Wider seats?

 

It appears the upgrade is one way only, so that a roundtrip would be 40K. Am I correct about that?

 

The website says the upgrade should be done 24 hours in advance. Is it really true that if they have a Dynasty seat available I can't do it at the airport. The reason this is imortant to me is that if I can get a seat in an emergency row I think I'd rather save my miles, but if I can't I'd be more inclined to upgrade.

 

Option 3 would be using my China Air miles on Delta. This is possible, right?

Although truth be told though, I really don't want to travel anywhere but the LOS.

 

Thanks for any help!

[mats 0]

Hi Partyanimal,

 

I don`t know the answer to all of your questions, but this is what I know :

 

Yes, you can use your China miles on a Delta flight.

20 K is for a one way upgrade so 40 K would get you a roundtrip upgrade.

 

As for using your miles for an upgrade at the airport, usually not a problem as long as it "just" dynasty class you`re upgrading to, but with business class it can be more difficult due to food ( or lack of food ) etc. As far as I remember, in Dynasty class you get economy food so that shouldn`t be a problem.

But ofcourse, they are in their full right to decline you any upgrade if you haven`t booked it in advance so you take your choices. Here in Norway we have to do it 7 days in advance.

 

For info on Dynasty class, check out China Airlines web site:

http://www.china-airlines.com/en/check/service-3-1-2.htm

 

Hope this helps,

 

Mats

 

Btw, I would take the free upgrade any day. Damn near impossible to get a free miles trip on the dates that I want to travel.

[LBJ 533]

If you're thinking Delta can't get you to BKK, that's incorrect. They have partner flights with JAL, KAL, United and even Northwest I believe.

 

I fly Delta all the way to Tokyo and then JAL to BKK. Coming home I'll be taking United back to Tokyo and then Delta home.

 

I think most airlines will accept almost any other airlines miles these days.

[partyanimal 0]

Thanks for the input guys.

 

Good point that the miles are useless if they're not available on the dates you want.

It would be a waste fo those of us who work Mon-Fri to fly from Norway or the USA on a Monday for example.

 

Using the miles on Delta is simply a fallback option if I were to marry an American girl and my LOS activities ended. I'll duck while you throw eggs and tomatos!

 

Do you guys think it's more important to upgrade on the flight over or the return flight? My first instinct is that I'd appreciate it more on the return flight. Jet lag is not a problem for me arriving in Pattaya since it's a 24 hour town and much of my activity is in bed anyway!

 

From looking at the dynasty seating chart I probably shoud upgrade in advance sine at the airport thwy might only have the dreaded middle seat left.

[mats 0]

Partyanimal,

 

"Do you guys think it's more important to upgrade on the flight over or the return flight? "

 

I always upgrade on the return leg, at least there is something to look forward to on your way back home Going to los I could be sitting in cargo for all I care, Im just too excided to get to los to care about business or economy seat...

 

Mats

[cowboy 0]

I am using united miles to fly biz class on singapore airlines. Should be a good deal. I have been told singapore has some QTs

[Saddic 31]

Going to los I could be sitting in cargo for all I care, Im just too excided to get to los to care about business or economy seat...

Amen to that!!!

 

What are the seats like in Dynasty class?

[The_Fat_Controller 25]

On the AMS-BKK route on the 747-400, Dynasty seats are 2-3-2 on main deck and 2-2 upstairs.

Reasonably wide, and unless you are a giant, sufficent legroom and a decent recline.

There is not much leg support or lateral head support.

You get a fold out TV and can get a game controller to plug in if you so desire.

This class is subject to a rolling upgrade across the fleets at the moment, the new seats are detailed on the China website, and look very nice.

I have just flown Dynasty both ways on my trip, the food was good, service excellent and they keep the toilets clean and fresh throughout the flight.

This last comment also applies to the Economy cabin, and in that respect are much better than the national carriers of the UK,Australia and The Netherlands, the other airlines I have used on my trips to Thailand.

The China Dynasty Flyer programme is changed from 1st October, more miles will be needed for upgrades, but on 30th September they will be giving members bonus mileage of 50%.