Takeoff To Travel, Author at TravelUpdate

Review: Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Weekend Getaway

Posted by Takeoff To Travel | Jul 30, 2020 | Hotel Reviews, Hotels, Travel Tips, Uncategorized | 2

Background: In summer of 2017, Beverly Hills got a new luxury hotel, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. As I was living in Westwood at the time, I often passed the new hotel while going around the city. I made a promise to myself that I would indeed stay at the Waldorf for a weekend getaway or for a fun event. Then, the perfect opportunity arose as I had a weekend night certificate that I got from my AMEX Hilton Aspire Credit Card. Note: due to the Coronavirus, Hilton has implemented a policy where all unexpired and new reward certificates...

I Got My Cancelled easyJet Flight Refund In A Month!

Posted by Takeoff To Travel | Jul 29, 2020 | Airlines, Commentary, Travel Tips, Uncategorized | 2

BACKGROUND ON EASYJET REFUND: Back in January, I booked a July Trip to Europe. One of the legs was on easyJet from Rome to London Gatwick. As we all know, the COVID-19 situation got worse, and I pretty much knew by March that I wouldn’t be taking this trip even if things started improving. Given that, I wanted to wait for the flight to get cancelled by easyJet because if I proactively cancelled, I would only be eligible for a travel voucher. I previously posted about my positive refund experience with Norwegian Airlines, where I received my money back...

Wow! Norwegian Airlines Surprises Me with a Refund

Posted by Takeoff To Travel | Jul 8, 2020 | Airlines, Commentary, Uncategorized | 2

Background on Norwegian Airlines Refund: Back in January, I booked a July Trip to Europe. One of the legs was from London Gatwick to Boston in Norwegian Airlines’ Premium Economy Cabin, which I was very excited to try. As we all know, the COVID-19 situation got worse, and I pretty much knew by March that I wouldn’t be taking this trip even if things started improving. I wanted to wait for the flight to get cancelled by the airline because if I proactively cancelled, I would only be eligible for a travel voucher. Norwegian Bankruptcy, Cuts Services: Norwegian was...

First Vegas Buffet to Reopen This Thursday

Posted by Takeoff To Travel | Jun 15, 2020 | Hotels, News, Uncategorized | 0

The Las Vegas Review Journal reported today that The Buffet at Wynn is scheduled to reopen this Thursday, June 18th, being the first buffet on the Las Vegas Strip to announce reopening since all resort buffets were closed due to COVID-19 concerns. A New Way to Buffet: The buffet will now be more like a hybrid of a traditional full-service restaurant with the experience of an all you can eat buffet. In the news release, Wynn stated that now the buffet dishes will be brought by servers, where guests will order from a menu. Guests will have the ability...

American AAdvantage Awards Online Cancellation Not Working

Posted by Takeoff To Travel | Apr 30, 2020 | Airlines, Loyalty Programs | 2

BACKGROUND: So last week American apparently simplified the refund process to cancel American AAdvantage award tickets. Instead of having to call, they made it easier stating that miles will automatically be reinstated within 48 hours of cancelling your trip online. Currently, this is valid for tickets purchases through May 31, 2020, and for travel through September 30, 2020. American Airlines says it only works for these circumstances: The reservation is for a single passenger American Airlines flights only The traveler and the AAdvantage member whose miles were redeemed are the same The ticket was purchased directly with American in...

My Tour of UCLA’s New 4 Star Hotel On Campus

Posted by Takeoff To Travel | Feb 13, 2020 | Hotels, Reviews and Reports, Uncategorized | 2

Background: The 4 star UCLA Luskin Hotel and Conference Center is located right on the heart of UCLA’s campus. Being in the Westside of Los Angeles, it’s quite convenient to many LA hotspots like Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. It opened in 2016 when I was just a freshman and I’ve never been inside of it despite passing it almost every day on my walks to class. I decided to tour it, and boy was it nice! If only my dorm room was this hotel (kidding!) 🙂 The Lobby: The lobby is quite grand and welcoming, with the restaurant...

Review: Crowne Plaza Seattle Downtown

Posted by Takeoff To Travel | Jan 19, 2020 | Hotel Reviews, Hotels | 0

Background: I visited Seattle for a work conference last month, and I was booked at the Crowne Plaza Seattle Downtown. The last Crowne Plaza I stayed at was at Atlanta Airport and I had a pretty bad experience there. Thankfully, this stay was a lot better than that one, but the Crowne Plaza Seattle still had some flaws. Check-In: I asked for the highest floor possible at check in, which turned out to be a blessing and a curse. The nice front desk agent said there was a room on the top floor available (34th floor). But, little did...

Review: Sheraton Grand Seattle Hospitality Suite

Posted by Takeoff To Travel | Jan 18, 2020 | Hotel Reviews, Hotels | 0

Background: After my work trip to Seattle, I decided to stay a few days afterwards to visit friends. My friend and I are were debating between staying at the W Seattle or the Sheraton Grand Seattle as the prices were similar, but the Sheraton would have club lounge access with Platinum Elite status. So we opted for the Sheraton! There are only 7 Sheratons in North America with the “Grand” designation, and I haven’t stayed at one before so I was excited to try it. Check- In: My friend tried applying a Suite Night Award, but we didn’t receive...

Review: The Club at SEA South Satellite

Posted by Takeoff To Travel | Jan 17, 2020 | Lounge Reviews, Reviews and Reports | 0

Background: Before my Delta flight from Seattle back to Orange County, I decided to stop by the Club at SEA, at the South Satellite Terminal to relax. I got to the airport around 2pm for my 3:40pm flight, but sadly my flight was delayed an hour. More lounge time I guess! Access: The Club at SEA, South Satellite is part of Priority Pass. I gained access with my Hilton AMEX Aspire Credit Card, but there are many other cards that offer a Priority Pass membership. There an additional Club at SEA in Concourse A if your gate is closer...

Review: Delta E175 Main Cabin and Comfort Plus

Posted by Takeoff To Travel | Jan 16, 2020 | Airlines, Flight Reviews | 0

Background: My company booked me on a Delta E175 for a work conference in Seattle. I was happy because Delta is the only airline that I have status with (Silver!). I was also happy that the flight would be on a E175 because that means there are only aisle and window seats since it’s a 2-2 configuration. Flight Deatils: Delta Airlines Operated by Compass Airlines Embraer 175 Santa Ana (SNA) to Seattle (SEA) Main Cabin- Seat: 10B Aisle Seattle (SEA) to Santa Ana (SNA) Comfort Plus- Seat: 7A Window The Flights: Orange County to Seattle in Main Cabin The...