If you’ve considered taking advantage of the generous award availability on China Southern’s Los Angeles (LAX) to Guangzhou (CAN) route using Delta SkyMiles or Ultimate Rewards, we finally have a short trip report from a reader.  David in NYC writes yesterday:

Hey Adam,

I wanted to let you know that after reading your post on September 6, my wife and I booked two tickets to Male on China Southern Airlines.  We used Delta SkyMiles for one ticket and Korean Air SkyPass miles courtesy of Ultimate Rewards for the other. We were both very hesitant as we had never flown or heard of China Southern before and even though it was an A380, it was still China Southern.  I am happy to say we were both pleasantly surprised.  Was it Singapore or Emirates? No!  Did it beat any US airline? Yes!  The good – we had very comfortable completely flat seats and very large television screens with a good selection of films and shows, the staff was very accommodating and checked on us several times per hour, and the plane was clean and felt new.  The food was decent.  The negatives – the connection time in Guangzhou was almost 12 hours.  If doing this trip again I would recommend taking a day in Guangzhou rather than waiting in the airport from 5am – 4pm (the connection on the way back was a short 2 hours).  The connection flights were on a 777 which was ok, but certainly not up to the A380 standards.  Recliner seats, small TV, 4 stations. It was certainly do-able for the 6 hours, especially knowing we were arriving in Male. Hope to have some pictures uploaded later in the week.  Most important for us is that we were very happy with the value we received – especially with my SkyMiles!

Remember, China Southern allows you to connect from Guangzhou to Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore, and all over Southeast Asia. Additionally, you can use a few more miles to fly onward to Australia or the Maldives. Delta SkyMiles can be redeemed for business class on China Southern while Korean SkyPass members can redeem for business or first class awards. What’s great is that first class space is about as generous as business availability. Korean is a Chase Ultimate Rewards partner meaning you can easily transfer to Korean SkyPass after earning miles with a qualifying card. Taking advantage of all of the big 3 Chase UR cards would net you 140,000 UR points prior to any required spend.

I know of three additional readers heading to Australia via China Southern, another to Bangkok, and one more to the Maldives, I’ll have them each report back once their trips are completed. If you’ve flown the China Southern A380, please comment with your review!

*Jay reports in the comments below that his Male flight had a schedule change.  After some research it seems that the flights to the Maldives will only operate on Thursday and Sunday now.*

Emirates becomes the first airline to introduce a facility that is completely dedicated to the A380 fleet, which currently consists of 27 aircraft out of a total order of 90 A380s placed back in 2008. The new DXB facility offers:

• Direct boarding from First Class and Business Class lounges to the A380′s upper deck (something that they already offer in several airports including JFK, see the trip report here).
• A full-service hotel and spa for transiting passengers
• Extra spacious, state-of-the-art lounges
• An underground train connecting to Terminal 3′s main arrival and departure halls

Want to check out the new DXB facility and the on-board Emirates experience? There are a few Emirates redemption opportunities available that allow for business and first class awards, with one option that became even more generous as of October 1st.

Meanwhile, Korean Air has upgraded to 777-300ER aircraft on the São Paulo- LAX route effective October 30, 2012.  The upgrade adds 28 additional business class seats on the route.  Yes, this is another business/first award option down to Brazil bookable with Ultimate Rewards or Delta SkyMiles. You’ll be limited to economy and business class if your using Delta SkyMiles (now viewable on Delta.com). You can also sign up for the Korean Air Skypass program and transfer your Ultimate Rewards points directly to Korean for redemption at a 1:1 ratio. Even better, KE first class was previously only available to elite Skypass members, but is now available to all members for redemptions on any aircraft including the A380.  However, there are blackout dates on redemptions which do require additional points so refer to the KE website for full details.

Alitalia is once again offering 15% off any flight booked on their website, including Delta and other SkyTeam partner flights through 11:59am EST on September 24th.  You can essentially book any Delta flight and receive the discount.  See the two simple examples below in which I saved $30.24 on a sample LGA-MCO itinerary and $224.91 on a JFK-BKK itinerary.   You must use coupon code WEEK15US. The code has been working sporadically during the day so don’t give up if it doesn’t work the first time. Any tickets purchased are fully refundable within 24 hours of booking:

When you purchase a ticket through Alitalia’s U.S. web site, we will allow you to cancel without penalty and receive a full refund within 24 hours after your purchase, if the reservation is made one week or more prior to scheduled flight departure. Cancellations and refunds for qualifying web site purchases may be requested by calling 800-223-5730.

UPDATE 2:30pm EST – The Alitalia website is now running extremely slow…

HT - DansDeals

As per an Airline Route posting this morning, Korean Air will begin flying the A380 from Atlanta to Seoul this coming January.

Korean Air from 01JAN13 is launching Airbus A380 service on Seoul Incheon – Atlanta service, where the aircraft will operate daily KE035/036 flight. Initially the Skyteam member will operate A380 on daily basis from 01JAN13 to 31JAN13, but this will be reduced to 3 weekly from 01FEB13. From 01FEB13, overall service to Atlanta appears to be reduced from 10 to 7 weekly as KE033/034 service is closed for reservation.

Schedule:
KE035 ICN1005 – 0930ATL 388 D
KE033 ICN1915 – 1840ATL 772 246

KE034 ATL0100 – 0550+1ICN 772 357
KE036 ATL1200 – 1700+1ICN 388 D

Delta Redemptions

This is another A380 award redemption opportunity from North America, though you’ll be limited to economy and business class if your using Delta SkyMiles. Remember, Korean Air is very good in terms of releasing award space but you will need to find it first.  It used to be viewable via Expert Flyer, though that’s now limited to intra-asia flights and you’ll have to call Delta directly in order to search for availability.

First Class A380 Redemptions

You can also sign up for the Korean Air Skypass program and transfer your Ultimate Rewards points directly to Korean for redemption at a 1:1 ratio. Even better, KE first class was previously only available to elite Skypass members, but is now available to all members for redemptions on any aircraft including the A380.  KE also flies a daily A380 from JFK and LAX to Seoul. Redemption prices are 70k for economy, 125k for Business Sleeper,  and 160k for First Class Sleeper. However, there are blackout dates on redemptions which will require additional points so refer to the KE website for full details.

Update 7/23 – Up to 140,000 Ultimate Rewards points with the addition of the Ink Plus, see full details below or 150,000 points with the Ink Plus and Freedom card.

I finally received both of my cards in the mail last week and I’m very excited to get working on the sign-up bonuses!  The Sapphire card is pretty awesome, it feels heavier than the average credit card and is completely blank on the front besides your name…it’s no AMEX Black but as close as I can get right now.

If you are new to the Chase Ink Bold, Ink Plus, or Sapphire Preferred Cards, here is why I signed up and the great perks that come with each:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Visa Signature Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been my go to card for travel and restaurant purchases since I first obtained it almost two years ago. The card earns 2 points per dollar spent on travel (taxis, train, etc. are all included) as well as when dining at restaurants and the points are super valuable with 1:1 transfers to several airlines and hotels, including United Airlines. I absolutely love the card and Ultimate Rewards.  If I’m not using the SPG cards above, I’m using this card. All customer service calls are answered by actual human beings and you’ll never be greeted by an automated system.  The current offer is 40,000 points upon spending $3000 in the first three months.  Card members receive: 1 point for ever $1, 2 points per $1 on dining and travel (air, hotel, cruises, rental cards, trains, and taxis), no foreign transaction fees, and first year free.  1 to 1 point transfers are offered with United (Star Alliance), Southwest, British Airways (Oneworld), Korean Air (SkyTeam), Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Hyatt, Priority Club, and Amtrak.  Additionally, there is a 7% annual point dividend on all points earned, which means the sign up bonus is actually worth over 40,000 points! The 40,000+ points can go a long way depending on which redemption partner you choose.  For example, see where you can go with the 40k on United including any of their Star Alliance (Lufthansa, Singapore, Swiss, Thai, etc.) partners.  More impressive, look where 100-150k can take you, if you sign up for the Sapphire and a Bold (continuing reading below) you are set in BUSINESS CLASS to Europe or Asia or can get two coach tickets!  32.5 coach each way to Hong Kong or 60k each way in business, 40k coach each way to Johannesburg or 60k each way in business, or 40K coach each way to Sydney, Australia or 67.5k each way in business. After the first year there is an annual fee of $95, however you are free to cancel at the end of the year and you will be able to keep all earned points (just remember to move them to another UR account).  The card also includes some great warranty and purchase protection benefits. Check out a full write-up on the benefits of the card as well as how to up your bonus here.  You can apply for the card here. Also, remember that Chase generally matches all publicly available offers for up to 90 days after signing up, meaning that if a better offer comes along with a lower spending requirement or a higher bonus you can ask to be matched.

• 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months- that’s $500 toward travel rewards!
• 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
• Get 20% off airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises when you redeem through Ultimate Rewards^SM
• No foreign transaction fees
• Receive a 7% Annual Points Dividend on all new points earned on purchases – even on points already redeemed
• 1:1 point transfer to leading frequent travel programs – that means 1,000 Ultimate Rewards points equal 1,000 partner miles/points
• Direct access to expert service advisors anytime
• Introductory Annual Fee of $0 the first year, then $95

Chase Ink Bold®  Business Card

I applied for this card on the same day as the Sapphire Preferred card above.  They both earn Ultimate Rewards points which can be combined.  This is a business card but don’t let the title fool you, individuals can apply as well(eBay selling, a hobby, or side business qualify…see the bottom of this page for further details).  The card is currently awarding 50,000 points for new applicants, combined with the 40k for the Sapphire Preferred you’ll have close to 100k Ultimate Rewards points. You’ll receive 50k points after $5000 spend in the first three months and get 5 points for every $1 spent at office supply stores, on cell phone and land-line bills, internet, and cable tv services, 2 points for every $1 on gas and hotel charges, 1 point on all other purchases, and no foreign transaction fees. The card also comes with complimentary lounge access via the LOUNGE CLUB. The annual fee is waived for the first year and is $95 thereafter.  All points are yours even if you choose to cancel after the first year. Like the Sapphire card above, benefits include 1 to 1 point transfers with United, Southwest, British Airways, Korean Air, Ritz Carlton, Marriott, Hyatt, Priority Club, and Amtrak. Check out a full write-up on the benefits of the card as well as how to up your bonus here. You can apply for the card here.   **You should consider applying for this card and the Sapphire card on the same day, which will likely result in only one credit pull instead of two.**  See this post for additional details on how to apply as well as the numbers to call for reconsideration.  Remember, when combined with the Sapphire Preferred offer above this is essentially 100k Ultimate Rewards points.  100k points is enough for 4 domestic coach tickets, a business class ticket to Europe, or a coach ticket to Africa, Asia, or Australia.  Alternatively, these can be redeemed for several Hyatt, Marriott, or Priority club hotel nights.

• Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
• No interest charges because it’s a pay in full charge card
• Earn up to 5X points per dollar on eligible business purchases, and points do not expire
• Transfer points at full value to participating travel programs.
• Direct access to a live service advisor anytime.
• Introductory Offer – First Year Free ($95 thereafter)

The offers aren’t as sweet as they once were but if you can meet the spending requirements they are great ways to get a free ticket on United,  BA, Southwest, Marriott, or Hyatt points.  Remember, it makes the most sense to apply on the same day in order to minimize credit pulls.  The Bold is a business card (sole proprietorships are fine) and the Sapphire card is a personal card.  If you do apply for both, you’ll most likely receive an automated rejection for at least one of them.  Don’t worry, all you need to do is call the reconsideration line at 1-800-453-9719 and explain that the reason you applied for both cards is that the Bold will be used exclusively for your business purchases and that the Sapphire is for personal use.  Otherwise, you can wait 30 days in between and apply separately.

Did you know that with these points you could fly business class on the Emirates A380 with a transfer to Korean Air? See how here.

What about a hotel stay in Phuket, Thailand? See how here or other ideas for flights and Hyatt stays here.

UPDATE – NOW THE CHASE Ink Plus and Freedom card will further add to your Ultimate Rewards balance…

Chase Ink Plus®  Business Card 

Chase has released the Ink Plus Business card which is the credit card edition of the Ink Bold (which is a charge card). Remember, a credit card allows you to pay part of your bill each month while a charge card requires you to pay your balance in full.  The most exciting part of the new card announcement is that the Ink Plus is considered a separate product from the Ink Bold, which means you can obtain both bonuses (in addition to the Sapphire bonus).  All terms and conditions are the same as the Ink Bold above and you’ll receive 50k points after $5000 spend in the first three months.  You can apply for the Ink Plus card here. Again, see the bottom of this page for details as to why you have a business without even knowing it. With the Sapphire Preferred (40K), Ink Bold (50K) and the Ink Plus (50K), you’ll have 140k Ultimate Rewards points in no time. Once you meet the minimum spend, you’ll essentially have enough points for a first class ticket to Europe, Africa, Asia or Australia on some of the nicest airlines in the world.

• Reward yourself with 50,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
• With Ink Plus, you have the cash flow flexibility with the choice to pay over time or pay in full
• Earn 5X points per $1 on the first $50,000 spent annually at office supply stores, and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services
• Earn 2X points per $1 on the first $50,000 spent annually at gas stations and for hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel
• No foreign transaction fees
• Free employee cards
• 1:1 point transfer to participating travel programs with no transfer fees
• Get 20% off travel redemptions when booked through Ultimate Rewards.

Chase Freedom Visa (a very necessary companion card if you already have a Sapphire Preferred or Ink Bold/Ink Plus card)

These cards award $100 cash back (which coverts to 10,000 Ultimate Rewards points) after $500 in spend in the first three months and has no annual fee. However, the real reason to get these cards is the ability to earn 5% cash back (or 5x Ultimate Rewards points) on rotating categories each quarter.  Previous quarters have included grocery stores, drug stores, movie theaters, gas stations, and restaurants, and the current quarter is 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent between Apr 1 and Jun 30, 2013 at restaurants, movie theaters, and Lowe’s®. That means if you effectively use your Chase cards you should earn more than one point per dollar on the majority of your purchases (5x points on rotating categories with the Freedom MasterCard or Visa, 5x points on office supplies, phone, and internet bills with the Ink Bold or Ink Plus, 2x points on gas with the Ink Bold or Ink Plus, and 2x points on travel and restaurants with the Sapphire Preferred). I exclusively use these cards to earn the 5x points on the quarterly categories up to $1500 and then revert back to my other cards. Learn more about combining points from the Sapphire, Bold, and Freedom cards here. If you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Ink Bold, Chase Ink Plus, and Chase Freedom, you’ll have 150,000 Ultimate Rewards points without even including any of the required spend or bonus categories! Several readers have asked whether they can have a Visa and Mastercard, the answer is yes! You’ll then have 2 x 5% rotating categories every quarter, though you will have register each card separately for the quarterly bonus categories. If asked why you need both, some of your favorite stores only accept MasterCard while others only accept Visa.

• Earn $100 Bonus Cash Back after you make $500 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
• 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 spent between Apr 1 and Jun 30, 2013 at restaurants, movie theaters, and Lowe’s®
• You’ll enjoy new 5% categories every 3 months like gas stations, restaurants and Amazon.com. It’s free and easy to activate your bonus each quarter!
• Unlimited 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
• No annual fee and rewards never expire

Questions about any of these? Feel free to email me at adam@pointmetotheplane.com

Ultimate Rewards Partners with a 1 to 1 transfer using the points from Sapphire Preferred or Ink Bold: