I have been avoiding Batik Air for a long time, but I finally decided to try them. This review reflects my first experience with Batik Air, an airline that enjoys many negative Trip Advisor reviews. Summary Rating: 61%Route: Krabi to Kuala Lumpur, 667 km, 1 hour 16 minuteAirline: Batik Air is a member of the Lion Air Group of Indonesia, comprising Batik Air Indonesia, Super Air Jet, Lion Air, Wings Air, Biz Jet and Thai Lion Air. Batik is a Malaysian hybrid full-service carrier and flies to several Southeast Asian destinations, founded in 2013 as…
Stingray attack -a reminder of the need for Travel Insurance
I was just by the beach in southern Thailand, gearing up for a beautiful sunset beachside wedding. After a nice Thai lunch and a good cup of Es Yen (local Thai iced coffee), I figured I’d have a swim in the hotel’s net-enclosed beachside swimming area, designed to keep out the “nasties.” I had finished my laps and was heading toward the shore when suddenly, I felt a sharp, sudden sting in my ankle, followed by intense pain and a strange, keyhole-shaped wound. My yelp of pain, shock, and surprise attracted the attention of nearby…
Dreaming Differently- Czech Airlines in a Parallel World
In the 2000s, I loved seeing the OK tails of CSA Czech Airlines at airports around the world. I never actually flew them, but I wish I had. On Friday, I wrote about the airlines we lost in 2024. One of the most prominent was Czech Airlines’. As the fifth-oldest airline in the world and the third to fly a jet aeroplane, Czech Airlines (CSA) held a special place in European aviation. With its closure, I feel we’ve lost a part of aviation history. Reflecting on CSA , I was reminded of the famous Czech…
Skyward No More: The Airlines We Lost in 2024
Each year, I reflect on the airlines we lost over the past 12 months. While I much prefer writing about thriving airlines, examining closures offers insight into the industry’s harsh realities. Most airlines that ceased operations in the past year were small-scale ventures. Some, like ČSA Czech Airlines, LIAT, and Air Malta, carried historic names and legacies, while others were new players with big ambitions. Several carriers sought to disrupt markets or introduce unique business models. For instance, HumoAir dreamed of connecting 60 destinations within a year, and Bonza promised affordable airfares tailored to Australians.…
Flying Around the World for “Free”: A Frequent Flyer Adventure
Flying around the globe is the holy grail of travel. In August and September 2024, I flew 29,099 miles (46,622 km) around the world, mainly in Business Class. My aiming was to use frequent flyer points to cover most of the journey. Many people have been curious about how I managed it, so here we go… My journey started and finished in Sydney, Australia and took me to: Paying outright for a similar round-the-world itinerary in Business Class would have cost between $14,986 and $16,545 USD, not including taxes and fees. For Business Class tickets,…
2024 Recapped: Best and Worst Airports in the World
Over the last week, I have reviewed my 2024 destinations and rated the best and worst airlines. Today, I want to focus on the best and worst airports after flying to or from 65 airports in 2024 and 289 in my lifetime. Whether you’re starting your journey or connecting at an airport, several factors can significantly shape your experience. Are you a regular flyer, a new flyer, or an occasional traveller? Do you prefer driving to the airport and parking or other transport options? How much time do you need to spend at the airport,…
Why Flights Get Delayed, Who is Better and How to Stay One Step Ahead
I had settled into my seat and the plane was fully boarded. A woman behind me told the crew she felt too unwell to fly. Medical staff boarded, and she left the aircraft with them 20 minutes after our scheduled departure. Retrieving her luggage took another 20 minutes, and with our takeoff slot lost, we faced another 25-minute delay. Over an hour later, we finally took off. This scenario is all too familiar for frequent travellers. The consequence of such delays is far-reaching. The next flight will likely be late, too, and the passengers won’t…
Two weeks in the Air: My Best and Worst Airlines
Last year, I spent almost two weeks of the 366 days in the air with 29 different airlines. My 99 flights covered 124,000 miles (ca. 200,000 km), taking me to 65 airports across 28 countries. Some trips were memorable for their exceptional service that was so good, I (almost) didn’t want to get off the plane. Others highlighted air travel “challenges”. In my life, I have now logged 3.8 million kilometres in the air (2.4 million miles) with 128 airlines. As I have logged everything, including a rating of every airline, flight, and aircraft I…
Planning, Packing, and Exploring: My 7 Tips for Better Travel
As I reflect on 2024, these are the key observations and learnings I have picked up: 1. Prioritising “Real” Experiences Seek both iconic landmarks and hidden treasures. Sure, visiting iconic places like the Acropolis or Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing is a must, but it is so for 1,000,000 other people. Be prepared for that and track down opportunities that might not be featured in the top ten visit spots on Instagram. Discovering hidden gems like Colombia’s San Antonio Church or Croatia’s Maksimir Park added depth and richness to my journeys. My goal is to see a…
My 2024 Around the World – now 90 Countries
Happy New Year! Where did you explore/enjoy/experience in 2024? I had a phenomenal 2024, visiting 28 countries throughout the year, including five new ones. This brings the total number of countries I have ever visited to 90. I also explored 15 new cities, and flew my 100th Boeing 747! From ancient ruins to vibrant festivals and serene lakes to bustling markets, my journeys spanned a massive range. Here’s a look back at my top 20 travel experiences and some fascinating stats to wrap up the year. My Top 20 Travel Experiences for 2024 2. Enjoyed…
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