Seriously… can we have this kind of commercial aircraft now?

So, Malaysia Airlines has just announced a brand new structure, look and enhancements towards their Frequent Flyer Programme, Enrich. The press conference is held at KL Hilton on 18th May 2011.

That’s Raja Dato’ Nordiana, Snr. VP of Corporate Marketing and Loyalty Programme at MAS.

That’s Tengku Dato’ Sri Azmil, MD & CEO of MAS.

This is how MAS Enrich looks like now. Not too bad I suppose…

The new Enrich improvements can be seen in six key innovative and enhanced features.

1) New Elite Qualification Criteria, Elite status is more attainable.
2) Enhanced Elite Tier Bonuses, Members earn miles faster.
3) Platinum Tier Redefined, Enrich Gold can achieve Platinum easier.
4) On-line Redemption Incentives, 15% discount for flights redemption, all year round.
5) New Awards Charts, Lesser miles to travel.
6) e-Lounge Voucher, Can redeem Airport Lounges voucher hassle-free and paperless.

With all the above new enhanced features, MAS’ Enrich targets an increase of 20% membership growth in 2011 alone. Very ambitious but I am sure they will because they have good ratings as one of the FFP which earns miles faster than any other airlines in the region.

If you are not convinced if Enrich is the Frequent Flyer Programme for you, then maybe if you would like to read what others have to say about Enrich as compared to other regional FFPs by other carriers here > FlyerTalk: Rate Malaysia Airlines Enrich.

I have always been reading FlyerTalk and this forum really gives me an insight of what’s new on airlines all around the world from the consumer point of view.

Only thing about Enrich FFP is that, earning miles from MAS or it’s partners is not as wide as AsiaMiles or KrisFlyer, but I guess the redemption availability and quicker in earning miles pays for it.

Oh, there are 1,000,000 Enrich miles to be won, YES, ONE MILLION MILES! Plus, by joining the contest, you already can earn 1,000 miles. Simple as that!

What are you waiting for? Submit your postcard now! You need to be an Enrich member first of course.

Download/View Enrich’s Magazine World of Riches (May-July 2011) (Right Click and Save As)

Wow! I am sure it is definitely a talk of the town with AirAsia promoting their fares to Japan as cheap as RM 99 one way all inclusive of tax. What’s even more interesting to find is that they have packages as low as RM 1,999 per person which includes flights and accommodation at AirAsiaGo!

Wow Wow Wow!

I was impressed at the rate of how AirAsia is going with all their marketing and promotions and opening of new routes time and time again. This time it would be Japan! Dyyiiaaammm…

Oh yeah! Moshi Moshi Japan! AirAsia is selling seats to Japan from RM 99 onwards! Check it out yo!

But wait! STOP! Don’t so rush! The sales starts at 1100 hours on 23rd September 2010, which is TODAY! hooray!

Wheeee….

Oh wait! There’s more! There’s more! AirAsiaGo is selling Japan packages in conjunction of this launch by AirAsia.
Can you believe it? Package to Japan which includes flights and accommodations from RM 699!

With that kind of package price, even my nephew and niece can go, albeit they don’t use their pocket monies lah!

AirAsiaGo also works as a one stop center for any destination you fly with AirAsia for packages. They even offer transportation and even lots more package options for you to choose.

So yeah! What are you waiting for? Go grab your credit card and start clicking the “Buy” button! If you don’t have a credit card, go grab your parent’s or if you want, ask me nicely.

Now, happy moments are over while I need to bring these awareness up before you start clicking “Buy”

1) Terms & Conditions of purchasing this round of promotion by AirAsia.

While it is all nice and rosy about the cheap promo fares to Japan, I still think their terms & conditions is a little bit untrustworthy towards the consumer. What am I talking about? Read these fine prints by AirAsia on their promo banner:

Booking Period     :
23 September 2010 – 31 October 2010
Travel Period    :     9 December 2010 – 31 July 2011
Travel Notes
- Advanced booking required.
- Fares are not available during embargo period.
- Flights start 9 Dec 2010 and are subjected to regulatory approval.
- AAX flies to Japan every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday.
- Fares and flights shown on our website are subject to government approval, all funds charged for flights will be quarantined pending Japanese government approval.

What does that mean you ask me? Ok! Don’t quote me buy just let me guess. I don’t want to be sued by AirAsia while I’m still broke.

I would believe with the above quoted statement, AirAsia has not gained any Japanese government’s approval to land at Haneda Airport while the date of 9th December may be a tentative flying out dates. While the regulatory approval would suggest that AirAsia hasn’t or still waiting for IATA or similar bodies to approves the airspace routes to be taken.

While these are the case, do not be alarmed at the same time, as this promotion may be AirAsia’s ticket to convince the Japanese government to grant them (AirAsia) a right to land at Haneda Airport. Which means, if A LOT of you starts buying, AirAsia can show the volume and the potential tourism income Japan will gain by granting flight access to AirAsia.

Now, the issue is that, what if AirAsia doesn’t get the rights to land at Haneda Airport in December and delayed till January only? What will happen to all the monies spent to buy tickets flying out during Christmas. Everyone will surely plan their holidays and if AirAsia doesn’t fly, consumer’s plan will be screwed all over.

Now, bearing in mind that customer service support from AirAsia via call in or email may not be prompt to handle the number of cases, should the above happen. Unless, AirAsia opens a dedicated channel to serve the Japanese route. What more, waiting in line at their walk-in service centers is really a bummer at times.

So, decide nicely before you buy and while you are screwed all over, don’t say I never warn you. While I am not worry for losing clients to go direct online to purchase, I do not want to see people suffer because of “dodgy” terms and conditions by AirAsia. You all know how budget carriers can be really a pain in the arse sometimes.

OK! Next…

2) Traveling to Japan. Visa is definitely needed.

Why I am concern on this matter is that, the price is so cheap, every tom dick and harry would also wanna buy. Markets I would see responding very well to this campaign or route would be the youths.

Now, be very well aware that you definitely need a visa to enter Japan and it takes a lot more in requirements to process which involves financial capabilities and traveling arrangements in Japan.

I do really suggest you read well the info stated in this page > Visa Application Requirement.

There you go, I’ve state my suggestions and it’s time to fly to Japan?

Anhyong Haseyooo!!

Eh wait… wrong country… ermm..

YAMATE!?

oh wait.. too “adult” .. ermm…

MOSHI! MOSHI!…

Anyways, thanks to Garuda Indonesia and to our lovely host Isabelle from Garuda Indonesia.

Flew GA 819 to Jakarta which left at 0650 and when I reached the airport, it was a pleasant surprise waiting when I checked in.

Executive Class Yo! Yo! Yo!

I was all over the moon when I checked in. Hahaha… Wheee… I can still feel the excitement now! *Slaps Self*

All I remembered was that I was so eager to board the plan. Really eager as it was my first Business Class flight! *bangga*

So yes, when we boarded the flight, we were served with hot towel and of course sparkling juice to freshen up.

There was already a pack of headphone waiting to be used. I did not open mine as I just wanted to relax and enjoy the flight.

Then, the Menu for the morning’s flight meal was given and we had to choose our meal. It was a choice of either Chilli and Onion Omelette, Potato – Grilled Sausage – Mushroom or Chicken Murtabak with Dhall Sauce Onion and Chilli. Both also sounds yum but I decided on the former.

About 30 minutes after the we’ve decided on our selection, the Purser started her round serving…

… and here comes my Chilli and Onion Omelette, Potato – Grilled Sausage – Mushroom.

On my back from Jakarta, the meal was Chicken Rice with Mix Vegetable.

So yeah, that was the food, but in terms of seat, well… it is Business Class, or in Garuda Indonesia’s term, Executive Class. To me, it was just way above everything else. Comfort, Service, Food and etc. (Don’t compare with other airline with me. I haven’t been on any other’s)

Anyone 3 times the size of me can fit into the seat lah…

Given my height, the leg room was magnificent! No struggling, backside pain, leg dangling out to the walkway or any complaints of lack of space. Hehe…

All in all… It was a great flight experience… Oh look! Nice sunrise!

One last camwhore picture before I end this post. Muahahha. Cheese to the “Chomel” peeps…

Peace out!

I was well prepared on the state of Lagos airport before I arrive. To me, the shock was even deeper as much as I have heard about Nigeria, I’ve never thought it will be as bad. How bad? Let me just explain.

This is how the airport looks like on the tarmac. As much as I have heard, the VIP halls are much better.

Coming out from the aircraft, one have to walk through te bridge and then throuh this under-maintained walkway to the immigration hall. There is an escalator going down, but before the escalator, there are officers checking for UN Yellow Fever Vaccine card. The non-courteous officer did a quick run through to make sure you have one and soon release u to the immigration hall.

I don’t know if it is appropriate to call it an immigration hall, it was stuffy, and doesn’t seem to be very well organized to live up to its “international” standards.

The air conditioning is not really working and I believe that an airport such as this should have a centralized air conditoning. There is one, LG air cond there but only one to support a 200+ arriving passengers per international flight? It could be better.

There are 8 working immigration counters, split of 4 each for Foreign and Nigerian passport holders. They have electronic systems in place but by the looks of it, it may be broken. it may have broken down. I guess, simplifying the flow of arrival would really help tremendously.

Oh, did I mentioned that Nigeria is facing a huge power issue? While waiting in line, the power went off for a good 10-15 seconds. I am very sure it is seriously affecting the airport operations.

Just a few days ago, I read in the papers that the Ministry of Aviation and the airport authority has been given 90 days to revamp the whole airport and to make it work to reach the like of Dubai International Airport and I seriously hope they do for the sake of reviving the tourism in Nigeria. If they do so, I believe a lot more airlines will opt to fly into Lagos.

So yes, here I am in a completely foreign land. It is my first time on African soil. This is the airport of where I am right now. This was once the pride of the country and even Africa, so to say.

It was the first ever airport in Africa more than 20 years ago. If you could have guessed or rather known or maybe not have any idea at all, yes I’m at Nigeria.

I’ve got scheduled meetings for the next 7days back to back. The biggest one being tomorrow and I got to get things done from now onwards.

So there you go, I’m now at Nigeria and I’ve even met another Nigerian on board my flight to Lagos earlier. Sony and I pretty much talked about Nigeria and the perceptions the country has received thus far, mostly negative, from international people abroad.

I’m currently staying at Check Inn Hotel in Ibadan, Oyo State. Very nice place. The bed is quite comfy too…

Till I write again… Watch this space for more.

There was this guy whom I made friend with. His name is Dave. He was having his whisky coke, thus I joined him there. Ordered myself vodka with orange, to join Dave.

We were actually in the galley while the air crews were preparing for the breakfast servings. The chief air crew, Nigel Pinto pulled out a trolley cart and made a mini bar by the back exit door.

Had a great chat about traveling as well as airline miles. Ah, finally… Someone who speaks in the same channel as I am.

Am currently in transit in Dubai. Gotta check this place out…

While you are reading this i’m at KLIA now waiting for my boarding gate to open. Where am i going? Heh. To the biggest black nation in the world.

I’ve got 14hours of flying hours to clock. It is sure going to be tiring. I wish I’m flying business clas.. ><

Maybe my next trip...

Hear from me soon... If you don't, please contact Testikel. He should know what to do.

I don know how the picture will turn out. So yeah… Ciao…

One thing about me is that, I always leave my travel posts hanging. See, the last post I did for Perth was on Perth Day 2 – Rottness Island Fun. Okay, that was like 4 months after the trip, but still the excitements from the trip is still in me. Blogging it now brings back memories. I’m sure Jun and Rue would agree with me. Right boys?

It was somewhere in September 2008 that we decided to plan for a trip and well, got Jun and myself a ticket to Perth while Rue bought it later. When I informed CK that we’ll be making the trip to Perth, his reaction was “Why do you want to go over to that dead place?” or something along that line. It made me wanting to make the trip and prove him wrong, and I did. Perth is such a nice city…

These was the itinerary for the 7 days we had in Perth.
Day 1 – Perth City on Foot
Day 2 – Rottnest Island
Day 3 – Exploring the City, Leederville and Subiaco
Day 4 – Kings Parks, Swan Bells and Cottlesloe
Day 5 – Pinnacle Tours, City Night and Moon Cafe
Day 6 – Freemantle (Full Day)
Day 7 – Chillings and Duxton Hotel

If you ask me, the best of the 7 days would be Rottnest Island. Okay… how about I talk about the highlights of each day while I was there. Sure it will definitely entice you to make a trip down to Perth.

Day 1 – Remember we had no itinerary? The first day I decided to make a round in the city, on foot and the Boys agreed. The highlight of the day would be The Perth Mint, where we get to see how they make gold bars. It is the same day that we decided what to do for the rest of the 7 days.

Day 2 – We decided to make this a full day thing and Rottnest Island is where we planned to go. No tour package blah blah blah, but we did all this trip all on our own. Took a speed boat from Freemantle and off we went to Rottnest Island where the fun of cycling around the island began. You can read more on my trip here.

Day 3 – Free and Easy Day. Nothing much that we did… wait, actually, we walked a lot. Like… A LOT! From the city we traveled to Harbourtown, then I traveled to Leederville myself where I have an office there and finaly at night we had dinner at Subiaco with The Girl who was still in Perth that time.

Day 4 –We did some touristy visits to Swan Bells, Kings Park and the best was Cottlesloe. What’s in Cottlesloe? Superb beaches is what’s there. But, before we made our journey there by bus, which we went lost for a bit because of the map. Okay, maybe it was because of me, but hey, we managed to explore some new places… So, this is what Cottlesloe looks like.

Day 5 – It is the only day we did an organized tour and we paid for Full Day Pinnacles Tours where it took us to the Caversham Wildlife Park and Pinnacles. Imagine yourself in a 4WD coach and you are actually doing this (look below). Cool right? That’s the highlight of the day, other than that… throw in some visit to see Kangaroos and Koalas and Platypus.

Day 6 – Okay. I’m stuck… what to tell you about Freemantle? Hmmm.. Oh yeah. They have a Freemantle Prison which I never had a chance to visit. It was such a dramatic day where the rail system broke down and we had to take the feeder bus down. Impressed with their quick solution to their transportation mess, but that aside, Freemantle is actually a Port. So, seafood here is nice but price is also “VERY NICE”. Good place to chill, away from the city.

Day 7 – Our last day there was pretty much a relaxing one, because it’s a Sunday. We went for some last minute shopping and of course, what’s the best was the night that we put up at Duxton Hotel, Perth. Don’t ask for the price paid but please join me to thank Jun for spending us a night there.

So yeah… That’s about it for Perth from me for now. I can tell you so much more about Perth, but it would take me another few posts and maybe a few trips to Perth again (*hints*) to explore more on Perth. Yes, you hear me right. What’s more to do in Perth? Let me tell you what I would really want to do if I’m there next.

Walpole, where there is The Valley of Giants Tree Top.
Monkey Mia, visit the Shark’s Bay for Dolphins.
Margaret River, the Wine Region.
Mandurah, just another city which I want to visit.
and many many many many…. more….

You know, there is one person I envy right now would be Dr. Ling Shih Gang. He was the winner for Experience Extraordinary Taxi Ride for the second leg. You can follow his recent adventure here at Experience Extraordinary, Western Australia. Fully sponsored trip to the South West of Western Australia. How cool can it get? Can I get one too?

Plan your trip now as AirAsia flies to Perth. Click Here for AirAsia Schedules.

I’ve pretty much covered Perth in general, what about you?

I’ve given you some travel tips above, so start planning already!…

P/S: I’m definitely gonna continue my Perth Day 3 onwards. Pls chills…

ALL INCLUSIVE FARES*

JAKARTA ONLY RM 395
BALI ONLY RM 595
YOGYAJARTA ONLY RM 695

If you haven’t flew Garuda Indonesia, it’s about time you should do so. You are getting value for money airfares from a full service carrier.

There are two (2) flights daily on return to Jakarta, eight (8) flights daily on return from Jakarta to Bali and nine (9) flights daily on return from Jakarta to Yogyajarta.

What to do in Jakarta? It’s all about Shop! Shop! and Shop! The malls in Jakarta are like twice or even thrice larger than Mid Valley or Sunway Pyramid. Factory outlet town Bandung is 3 hours away and rest assured that your pocket will be empty by the time to bid Bandung goodbye. Although the traffic is just horrible in Jakarta, but hey, don’t let the traffic stop you from going there as there are not even a traffic at their factory outlets.

What to do in Bali? What else but Sun, Sea and Shop and maybe Massage. Nice beaches at Nusa Dua and Kuta. Great deals of local items at Ubud and even Kuta while you can enjoy nice local food. If you haven’t heard about Bali, time to Google it up.

What to do in Yogyakarta? Some say boring place, some say a great destination. You judge! Have you heard about the largest Buddhist temple which was built 300 years ago before Angkor Wat in Cambodia? It’s called Borobudur Temple and it’s there in Yogyakarta. It’s a great sight and besides that, there are lots of culture and sight seeing to enjoy while you’re there. Give it a shot.

Back to the price above.

The above price is only valid with the following terms & conditions:

Terms/Conditions
1.) Flight application    : Valid on GA 819 / 821 / 820 / 818 only. Codeshare flight is not permitted. Flight subject to availability of seats.
2.) Eligibility    : Valid for Malaysia Passport holder only.
3.) Ticket Time Limit    : Ticket must be issued within 3 days upon booking confirmation.
4.) Stopover    : Permitted with a charge of MYR 100 per stop at Jakarta.
5.) Penalties    : Rerouting and rebooking are not permitted.
: Ticket issued are non refundable.
6.) Endorsement    : Non-endorsable, Non-reroutable, No extension of ticket validity.
7.) Taxes / Surcharge    : Airport taxes, fuel surcharge and other charges is not included. International IDR 150,000 (MYR 60) and Domestic IDR 30,000 (MYR 12). *
8.) Validity    : Ticket is only valid for 7 days. Maximum stay is 7 days.
8.) Remarks    : The above fare quoted are subject to change without prior notice.

Flight timing from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta
Departure:
KUL  CGK  0710  0810  GA 819
KUL  CGK  0730  0830  GA 819 (Beginning 18th June)
KUL  CGK  1210  1310  GA 821

Returning:
CGK  KUL  0810  1110  GA 820
CGK  KUL  1855  2155  GA 818

For bookings and enquiries, please email travel(at)yapthomas(dot)com