I am back in the Bay Area! After the lingering affects of a harsh storm that brought airports across the Northeast to a screeching halt, countless travelers across not just the region, but the world, were delayed anywhere from hours to days. This ended up affecting me as well.

As I previously wrote, I was on a mileage run to requalify for 1K, the status tier on United Airlines’ Mileage Plus program that requires 100,000 miles per year. Due to a severely down travel year, I was clocking in at about 93.000 Stae Alliance EQM (Elite Qualifying Miles, as in, miles flown and not credit card/bonus miles!), so I needed to add a trip just for the sake of more miles to get to my coveted 100,000 number. So I found an itinerary on Continental Airlines that was San Jose to Boston via Houston, with the outbound in T (discounted economy) and return in B (full fare economy), netting 8,080 EQM to United. (Note to the fellow mileage runner: Continental B fares on Continental planes earn 150% EQM, but codeshares booked as B through Continental but on United metal book into M and only earn 100% EQM when crediting to United!) the great thing was that my traveling companion needed slightly less than that to requalify for United Premier Exexutive, so she came along, too and we turned it into a micro-vacation.

So my outbound, SJC-IAH-BOS went without a hitch. Proceeded from BOS to the Hilton Financial District in very cold weather. It’s an old hotel. Neither of the phones worked, so I had to call the front desk from a mobile phone! The heater didnt work and things were falling apart all over the hotel. Hilton Financial District Boton is in bad need of a renovation. Got free breakfast due to HHonors Gold status, which was probably the only good thing about the hotel aside from its great location, Squeezed in a city tour and then Union Oyster House prior to our scheduled 4:15PM departure.

We got to the airport plenty early, and as I previously wrote, out outbound was delayed due to a staffing issue (crew stuck at Newark). So our 4:15PM flight was delayed to 7:30PM, causing a missed connection to the original connecting flight from Houston to San Jose. We did board on time, but then deplaned after the GA realized that there was no crew. During this time, I called to United 1K line to get patched directly to the Continental OnePass line, to which I found out in our record that the delay was marked as Continental’s fault. This fact was important as Houston side, the GAs didn’t know this wasn’t weather related, so I looks like I expedited everyone getting a hotel.

We ended up being put on standby for the first San Francisco flight the next day and got put up in the Park Inn & Suites overnight in Houston.

Fast-forward to the moment of truth in Houston. We were at the gate, on standby, waiting to clear. I’d heard that some people had been waiting 2-3 days to get out of Houston to the Bay Area due to Continental getting crippled for having that strong dependence on Newark as a hub. And here is where the magic happened. Instead of going to the back of the line for standbys, we got to go right to the front. As a United 1K and Premier Executive on full fare economy tickets, we were placed as #1 and #2 on the standby list! Almost always, leisure travelers book heavily discounted economy tickets and usually don’t have high status. The combination of fare class and status catapulted us to the top of the list, and herein lies the reason why, as a business, one might want to travel on full fare economy tickets. Not only due you get flexibility to change schedules, but when it comes to upgrading at the gate and especially to harsh delays and standing by, you skyrocket to the top.

Back in the Bay Area now for a couple more days then it’s back to Japan. 101,000 EQM for me for the year, and another year of 1K achieved. Happy Holidays!

Today, I am about to embark on my first ever mileage run, a series of flights solely for the purpose of earning more miles to gain status. In years past, I’ve always hit my desired status level with United Airlines Mileage Plus, earning about 200,000 EQM (Elite Qualifying Miles) in 2009 and 75,000 EQM in 2008 (Note to the uninitiated: Mileage Plus status qualification is based on the January 1 to December 31 calendar year). Sadly, this year, due to a lighter travel schedule, I’m only a tad above 93,000 with all my travel, and would fall short of the coveted 1K status should I fail to take any more Star Alliance flights this year. I absolutely have to have 1K status to get my Systemwide Upgrades (which I can even use on Lufthansa!), so what else to do but take a mileage run to reach 1K!

There are tales on FlyerTalk of people going totally nuts on mileage runs lately, but I won’t be doing nearly as much catch-up. NRT-SIN-NRT gets me 6,656 miles, and thanks to some heavily discounted fares at United Airlines Japan website, I was able to bag this without breaking the bank. Most importantly, this doesn’t cut into my Christmas vacation and I can knock the mileage run out over a weekend in less than 24 hours. For those based in Tokyo looking for 6,600 Star Alliance miles, there are still a few midweek days that have the covered S fares (JPY29,000), so take a look if you need some last-minute EQMs.

Anyways, I’ll be headed over to Narita Airport later in the day via Keisei Skyliner (just 36 minutes from Nippori to Narita!), so once I’m en route I’ll continually update and add pictures both on the Tokyo and Singapore sides! I’ll be doing this without a transit hotel (hotels in mileage runs are for wimps!), so stay tuned over the next 24 for non-stop posts!

UPDATE: Missed the Skyliner so had to get on a limited express Keisei train…will sprint from the station, but looks more than likely I’ll miss it…ugh! Doesn’t hurt to try, though! Fingers crossed!!!

UPDATE2: Arrive with 21 mins to spare. (!)

UPDATE3: UA closed doors 16 mins early instead of 15. Game over for this MR! ;-(

UPDATE4: On Keisei Skyliner now, just not the one I had hoped. I have only ever missed a flight once before due to being late, and it was actually the GAs fault for misinformation. This time, I spaced out thinking my departure was 6:30PM and not 5:50pm, confusing my Christmas Day San Francsico-bound flight with this one. Then, as I went to check-in online, I noticed the 5:50PM departure time and started scrambling faster than a Guy Fieri ten egg and mayonnaise omlette. Chalk this lapse up to mental fatigue; I was in Hong Kong Monday and Tuesday, red-eyed back, had three days of intense work and deal-making, had my second-ever public speech in Japanese (at a licensing business seminar…it wet well), and then just launched this blog in Japanese this afternoon. As I head back home tonight, I plan to cash-in on the sleep I’ll get now in my own bed instead of putting around Changi, though of course I am sad I’m missing out on the EQMs as well as the ability to reschedule this T fare. Better luck next time, I suppose! Just may need to burn a day whilst in the States after all now to requalify…we’ll see.

I’m typing this as I sit in my room at EAST, a chic new business hotel in Tai Koo, Hong Kong. Any hotel that calls itself a single word is making a bold statement, so let’s see how EAST lives up to its name.

I found the room to be very spacious. One thing that so-called “business” hotels often lack, be they “lifestyle,” “value,” or just “pure business,” is comfortable pillows, but EAST actually had a bed I could rest on. So in the “Can I get a good night’s sleep?” department, the answer is: YES!

After putting around the floors and checking out the amenities like the dining floor, pool, etc, I believe I have discovered one of the first “West Hollywood meets East Asia” hotels that captures that Manhattan boutique hotel feeling I like to look for on of Sunset Boulevard.

Technology-wise, I love the complimentary hotel-wide wi-fi as well as the wired option, but what I really like is the repository of cables and connectors that are free to use, stashed under the TV. Need a power adapter? Check! Need a VGA cable to connect your PC to the TV? Check! Want to connect your iPod to the sound system? They got that, too!

One interesting tidbit not everyone may realize is that EAST is owned by Swire, the company that owns Cathay Pacific. Yes, you can earn Asia Miles by staying here, but one thing that is yet to be done (in the near future, hopefully), is the ability on Cathay Pacific’s website to book your flight to Hong Kong along with a Swire Hotel. It makes sense and should be coming in the future, hopefully 2011. From a foreign business standpoint, it could be very interesting to see what Swire can do selling into Japanese travel agencies, leveraging both their airline and hotel assets.

All in all, this is a very convenient hotel on the east side of Hong Kong Island. I was able to walk to the MTR and take the subway to see a friend of mine, and for those who are less adventurous, there is a lot happening in Tai Koo itself. Oh, and the pub on the top floor is a real “destination” in Hong Kong, and that’s not coming from just the hotel staff, but various people I’ve asked. Enjoy!

I’m here now at the Swedish Embassy in Tokyo as the SAS Japan 60th Anniversary Kickoff Event is about to start.
I’ll be updating this page with photos and text during the event…please keep checking back and feel free to email me rob@centeredeast.com if you want me to ask SAS a question!

Mr. Ole Johansson, regional GM for SAS is introducing the company and history.

Two hot deals: SAS is offering an anniversary deal where one can buy two business class tickets for only 600,00 yen, NRT-CPH! Additionally, limited to only  one ticket per month, they are also offering a 60 yen economy ticket per month…less than one US Dollar for any forex-challenged folks out there.  Note that the business class pair deal is not limited like the economy ticket deal is! (Updated: not on the site yet…stay tuned for this crazy deal!)

Internet inboard longhaul in 2011

SAS Credits introduction…for businesses that allows double-dipping on miles similar to United/Lufthansa PerksPlus. (Updated: added the link to it on their page.)

SAS world’s most punctual airline

Charming video on route history and some real retro photos…will see if can get ahold of some.

Now going over awards on the top anniversary logos…over 700 were made and now top 10 with a gift to the designers who made them. (mini-SAS aircraft replica.)

Correction: 796 entries

Winning logo and it’s designer, Akiko (missed her last name) being personally congratulated by Mr. Johansson. Got a replica and free airfare.

Now reception time!

Additionally, I was able to chat with SAS during the reception and it sounds like a lot more exciting things are on the way. In addition to requesting some of the media they showed off during the presentation, I learned about an upcoming electronic system at SAS which will make using miles online a lot easier, but that’s all I can say for now.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I’m writing this post from the United Red Carpet Club (RCC) at JFK, hanging around before I head back to visit the folks this Thanksgiving Day. But this post isn’t just for United frequent flyers, it’s for everyone.

The other day, I predicted that I would clear UA’s NRT-LAX flight like I always do, only to be squashed at the airport by a sign with four of the most ominous words to a frequent flying upgrade nut: “business class is sold out.”

So, my upgrade didn’t clear for that one flight. This makes my past 20 TPACs (trans-Pacific flights) 18/20 in clearing upgrades, or a whopping 90%. If this were a game of chance in Monte Carlo, I’d be up substantially, and this is exactly what Monte Carlo theory is all about. Looking at the “result” of just one isolated event, a would-be upgrader could be extremely disappointed (as is often seen in the form of entitled rants at the various message boards). But the bigger picture illustrates a great many winners.

Now, here is where things get interesting. I, as a “gambler” (so to speak), wager with the best of my knowledge on potential “winners.” Because I fly so many more flights as a United 1K (over 100,000 miles per year), I have a larger sample size, and I also have more past data against which to plan. Elites such as Premier (25,000 miles) or Premier Executives (50,000 miles per year) fly much less, so it’s no wonder to read the “horror” stories of lower level elite travelers not clearing the one or two TPACs they make in a year. Further, beyond the statistics, there is the more important element: higher status elites have upgrade clearance priority. So not only do we have a larger set of data with which to work, we have an inherent advantage every time. The only reason a 1K shouldn’t get an empty business class seat after applying for an upgrade is if United sold the seat to someone, or if a Global Services applied form the upgrade.

So for me, although I epically flamed out in my bold prediction to clear NRT-LAX, I’m still a happy camper. If, through my best efforts and planning, I end up being 2/20 instead of 18/20 over the next batch of TPACs, that’s a whole other story. But for now, I’m thankful for all the many, many times I’ve cleared. For when I don’t clear, I have the Hindu meal to fall back on in Economy Plus.

A lot of people like to bash airline food, and for good reason. To me, the experience of being fed on an airplane used to call up that of most horrible of feelings of being served in a cafeteria during my youth: mystery meat, rubbery fish, and all kinds of mashed up vegetables, gruels, and who knows what else. But then I discovered FlyerTalk a few years back and all that changed. Now, armed with a wealth of knowledge, I have an extremely high upgrade rate (over 90%!), and I’m seldom banished to the “back of the bus.” But does being in business class mean better food?

In general, the answer is yes. Here are some pictures from a Japan-Germany flight in business class on Lufthansa (LH).

Contrary to what people might say about Lufthansa’s economy service (both longhaul and intra-Europe) or intra-Europe premium cabin meals being either salty or bland (my experiences have been a sodium nightmare), the Japan-Germany flight’s food tasted quite fresh and full of flavor. Compared to some other ex-NRT (originating from Narita) flights, it is one of the better in-flight meals I’ve had.

While I wouldn’t say that a good meal (and good wine) alone should solely dictate the purchasing decision as to whether to get a business class seat, it is an important piece of the overall experience. In shorter flights one can bring food on board to make up for salty biscuits or no biscuits at all, but on these longer flights the ability to be able to relax and be served a warm meal can be an important part of arriving in one mental piece.  I know I did!

It was just announced that there four slots (that’s round trip flights) between Tokyo International Airport (HND) aka Haneda and the United States will be opening up to the following bidders: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Continental Airlines. Quick background:the famous Narita International Airport (NRT) is an hour by train away from Tokyo Station or Ueno Station (considered “downtown”) on express trains, whereas HND is a mere 18 minutes to Hamamatsucho via rapid monorail. This opening, part of the US-Japan “Open Skies” agreement, allows only for HND to be open to flights to and from the United States when Narita is closed (e.g. before 7AM or after 10PM). Thus, most of the press and blogosphere has been negatively writing about this curfew restriction with a very Western bias. I’m here today to counter that with some Eastern centering.

Before we dig into things, let’s recap what the US carriers applied for:

• UA: SFO-HND
• AA: JFK-HND, LAX-HND
• DL: DTW-HND, HNL-HND, SEA-HND, LAX-HND
• HA: HNL-HND (x2)
• CO: EWR-HND, GUM-HND

In terms of what is strongest for business travel, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Detroit, and New York are the leading candidates. Hawaii and Guam are very tourist-centric and while great places, do not add as much value to international business travel as do the others. I have bolded my predictions for the four slots. Delta, recently snubbed by JAL, is deserving of a boost, so DTW is a natural Midwest choice while LAX makes sense as New York is better served by JFK (American Airlines) instead of EWR (Continental Airlines). Lastly, San Francisco is THE West Coast gateway to Asia and is a shoe-in. The final tally would be UA SFO-HND, DL LAX-HND, DL DTW-HND, and AA JFK-HND.

Finally, now that we’ve covered the basics of what is going on, it’s time for me to respond to the criticism on the lack of value a Haneda flight provides even if it’s outside of Narita’s regular operating hours. It is being called too late and inconvenient to be of value, but remember that there are essentially two sets of “value” here: Japanese value and American value.

Back when I was working for a large Japanese games company, it was a sign of passion to go above and beyond the normal — if you took a business trip to the United States from Japan during “Golden Week,” one of the most celebrated holidays, you were showing dedication. No matter that you were skipping out on the most popular time of year for summer vacations. As part of the work ethic as I’ve covered in my previous post, there is a certain way to Japanese business culture. Not only are the most elite business leaders keen to make these kinds of sacrifices, but even the standard worker has typically been of the type who upon taking the early evening flight out of Narita on a work day, lands in San Francisco and experiences that same work day all over again. It is not about “where is my timecard,” but rather “how can I help the company?” in the usual Japanese group-mentality. Haneda’s flights that sacrifice personal time WILL work for Japanese workers, without a doubt.

One more thing some people have failed to mention directly about Haneda is that it is in fact a strong hub for domestic flights that can connect to the inbound U.S. carrier flights. Of course, any arrival after midnight will require an overnight connection (there are plenty of business hotels including legendary capsule hotels for this), but think about late-night departures. Now, departing HND after 10:00PM means that one can work all day anywhere in Japan and inbound to Haneda EOD and then take that flight to the U.S., which will be especially popular for Japanese expats on return business trips to Japan.

There is immense value here and I cannot wait to take HND-SFO on United. Let’s get in the mentality that Haneda is great not just for domestic flights and the Korea and China flights it already has, but has some opportunistic odd hours flights good for the hardworking businessperson as well. Oh, and they have the most amazing eel you can find in all of Japan.

Photo obtained via Wikimedia Commons; original source Joe James: http://www.flickr.com/photos/redjoe/95705169/ licensed under Creative Commons 2.0