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Charles On Travels
United Kingdom
Приєднався 22 вер 2023
I review flights, cruises, trains, and other travel experiences with a focus on luxury travel, and show you how to get these for less by making the most out of frequent flyer loyalty schemes and points.
Contact: charlesontravelsenquiries@gmail.com
Contact: charlesontravelsenquiries@gmail.com
FREE SUITE UPGRADE at the Ritz-Carlton Bali (how we got it + review)
We’re staying at the Ritz-Carlton in Bali (Nusa Dua). Although we booked an entry level Sawangan Junior Suite but were upgraded to a Ritz-Carlton suite for free thanks to some perks of our credit cards (Amex Platinum Fine Hotels and Resorts).
Subscribe for weekly luxury travel videos and tips on how you can get these experiences for less by using points and frequent flyer schemes.
Follow my travels on instagram:
charlesontravelsprofilecard
Subscribe for weekly luxury travel videos and tips on how you can get these experiences for less by using points and frequent flyer schemes.
Follow my travels on instagram:
charlesontravelsprofilecard
Переглядів: 471
Відео
British Airways First Class Wing and Business Class Flight
Переглядів 1,9 тис.День тому
What is the British Airways First Class Wing and lounge like? Today I’m going through the first class wing for the first time as we take a BA Club Europe business class flight from London Heathrow. Subscribe for weekly luxury travel videos and tips on how you can get these experiences for less by using points and frequent flyer schemes. Learn about how to get BA Gold Status: ua-cam.com/video/-t...
Underwhelming 14 Hours in British Airways Club Suite Business Class
Переглядів 12 тис.14 днів тому
Is British Airways Club Suite Business Class worth it? I’m flying 14 hours in BA’s newest business class from Singapore Changi to London Heathrow to find out. Subscribe for weekly luxury travel videos and tips on how you can get these experiences for less by using points and frequent flyer schemes. Learn about how to earn and spend avios: ua-cam.com/play/PLhdyhjrA3JtdUBUku_dw_2IIcwX0au2wu.html&...
Qatar Airways Business Class to Bali on a 787-8 | Worth It?
Переглядів 6 тис.21 день тому
How good is Qatar Airways Business Class when you’re not in QSuite? Today I’m finding out with a flight on a 787-8 as we fly from Doha to Bali in Qatar Business Class. Get travel rewards for overseas spend with no FX fees via Yonder [AD]: join.yondercard.com/brli16a Membership fee applies. Borrow responsibly. 18 and UK only. Rep 66.7% APR var. T&Cs apply. Subscribe for weekly luxury travel vide...
I Flew KLM’s Newest Business Class for £240 (no points or miles) | 777-300
Переглядів 3,5 тис.Місяць тому
Today I’m flying KLM World Business Class on a 777-300ER on a unique fifth freedom route between Bali and Singapore. Is business class worth it on KLM? Let’s find out! Subscribe for weekly luxury travel videos and tips on how you can get these experiences for less by using points and frequent flyer schemes. Follow my travels on instagram: charlesontravelsprofilecard
Is Qatar Airways QSUITE Really The World’s BEST Business Class?
Переглядів 8 тис.Місяць тому
We’re flying Qatar Airways QSuite Business Class from London Heathrow to Doha to find out if Q-Suite is really the world’s best business class and if it’s worth the money. We’ll also be stopping by the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge in Heathrow Terminal 4. Subscribe for weekly luxury travel videos and tips on how you can get these experiences for less by using points and frequent flyer schemes. F...
British Airways Club Europe vs Iberia Business Class
Переглядів 2,3 тис.Місяць тому
British Airways Club Europe Business Class or Iberia Business Class. Which is the best short haul European business class experience? Subscribe for weekly luxury travel videos and tips on how you can get these experiences for less by using points and frequent flyer schemes. Follow my travels on instagram: charlesontravelsprofilecard 💰Help me to keep making videos ☕️: buymeacoffee...
19 Ways To Earn More Avios in 2025
Переглядів 5 тис.2 місяці тому
How to earn more avios to help you book more business class and first class flights via the British airways executive club. I’m covering 19 different ways to earn avios including flights, credit cards and more. Subscribe for weekly luxury travel videos and tips on how you can get these experiences for less by using points and frequent flyer schemes. Want an Amex referral? Contact me at: charles...
BA Gold Status for £3,000 | Still possible for 2025?
Переглядів 8 тис.2 місяці тому
How to earn Gold Status in the British Airways Executive Club by flying cheap business class flights and holidays and without doing tier point runs. Subscribe for weekly luxury travel videos and tips on how you can get these experiences for less by using points and frequent flyer schemes. 💰Help me to keep making videos ☕️: buymeacoffee.com/charlesontravels
Low Cost Lumo vs LNER First Class
Переглядів 5 тис.2 місяці тому
LNER First Class or the low cost budget electric train operator Lumo? Which should you choose when travelling by train on the UK’s East Coast? Today I’m travelling on both between Newcastle and Edinburgh to find out which train offers the best value for money. 💰Help me to keep making videos ☕️: buymeacoffee.com/charlesontravels Subscribe for weekly luxury travel videos and tips on how you can g...
How To Find And Book Avios Reward Flights
Переглядів 8 тис.2 місяці тому
How can you find avios flights? And how can you book Avios business class flights? Today I’m taking you through everything I do to search for and book Avios reward flights in business class and first class with the likes of British Airways, Qatar Airways, American Airlines and Iberia. Subscribe for weekly luxury travel videos and tips on how you can get these experiences for less by using point...
TransPennine Express vs CrossCountry Trains in FIRST CLASS
Переглядів 4,1 тис.2 місяці тому
TransPennine Express vs CrossCountry Trains in FIRST CLASS
The Best Business Class Flights in Europe
Переглядів 2,7 тис.3 місяці тому
The Best Business Class Flights in Europe
How To Access Airport Lounges (4 ways)
Переглядів 1,6 тис.3 місяці тому
How To Access Airport Lounges (4 ways)
How To Get British Airways Gold Status (and how much it ACTUALLY costs!)
Переглядів 10 тис.3 місяці тому
How To Get British Airways Gold Status (and how much it ACTUALLY costs!)
FREE Upgrade to British Airways Brand New Club Europe Business Class
Переглядів 13 тис.4 місяці тому
FREE Upgrade to British Airways Brand New Club Europe Business Class
We tried a TUI all inclusive holiday in Tunisia | TUI Blue Scheherazade
Переглядів 5 тис.4 місяці тому
We tried a TUI all inclusive holiday in Tunisia | TUI Blue Scheherazade
Are TUI Flights Any Good? (737-8 Extra Space Seat | Newcastle to Tunisia)
Переглядів 10 тис.4 місяці тому
Are TUI Flights Any Good? (737-8 Extra Space Seat | Newcastle to Tunisia)
Should YOU Get An EasyJet Plus Membership?
Переглядів 2 тис.5 місяців тому
Should YOU Get An EasyJet Plus Membership?
British Airways Premium Economy vs Business Class
Переглядів 26 тис.5 місяців тому
British Airways Premium Economy vs Business Class
Should YOU get the Barclaycard Avios Plus Card?
Переглядів 4 тис.5 місяців тому
Should YOU get the Barclaycard Avios Plus Card?
Is Iberia Business Class Worth It?
Переглядів 3,6 тис.5 місяців тому
Is Iberia Business Class Worth It?
Heathrow Terminal 3 Oneworld Business Class Lounge Crawl
Переглядів 3,4 тис.6 місяців тому
Heathrow Terminal 3 Oneworld Business Class Lounge Crawl
Is Iberia Business Class Really That Bad? (A330 Flight Review)
Переглядів 9 тис.6 місяців тому
Is Iberia Business Class Really That Bad? (A330 Flight Review)
The World’s Best Priority Pass Lounge | Vienna Lounge
Переглядів 3,4 тис.6 місяців тому
The World’s Best Priority Pass Lounge | Vienna Lounge
10 Night Luxury Adults Only Cruise | Virgin Voyages Rockstar Suite
Переглядів 17 тис.6 місяців тому
10 Night Luxury Adults Only Cruise | Virgin Voyages Rockstar Suite
Sleeping In The Al Mourjan Garden Lounge, Doha Hamad Airport
Переглядів 9067 місяців тому
Sleeping In The Al Mourjan Garden Lounge, Doha Hamad Airport
Inconsistent British Airways Business Class | Is Club Europe Worth It In 2024?
Переглядів 11 тис.7 місяців тому
Inconsistent British Airways Business Class | Is Club Europe Worth It In 2024?
Super comfy! Love these seats!
You LOOK like the main actor in the recenct Spiderman films that's gone FAT! 🤣
Thanks?
It's a shame about the adjustable headrests. It just makes the carraige look shabby with broken or missing headrests on trains only 5 years into service. They'd be better having them fixed rather than moveable. Anyway Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas!
Have you heard of Singapore 🇸🇬 airlines
Great video, really good information. Looking to fly from Tampa to London on BA in a few months and I'm trying to decide between business and premium. ... I'd just add, people should not expect the people in front of them to not recline, especially on a long flight. If people are giving you a hard time, then they are just wrong and in the wrong seats. Haven't traveled a lot this past year, but used to travel a lot for work and if the flight is over an hour and half, I'm reclining and taking a nap. This whole thing of not reclining, has gotten out of hand. Although, I will say I avoid airlines/planes that have really short distances between seats.
Thanks! I know, the recline thing is very annoying and it makes me tend to want to avoid premium on overnight flights. I struggle to sleep as it is on those flights without people then waking me up when I finally do!
This is exactly what I was looking for! I'll be going to Europe in February and I would like to try out new business class products 🙌
Fine review but rather shocked by the cost of the food. (I stayed in a 4-star on the beach at Seminyak and was spending about £20/day on F&B inside the hotel.) Been looking at BA Holidays today. Some amazing value to be had in January.
I know, the food and drink prices were really high for Bali. Really great quality though, so although I know I could have got great food for a lot cheaper elsewhere, I have no regrets! Nice, I’ll have to take a look at the sale.
Excellent review as always. Your suite was as good as it gets and bigger than my first house utilising Amex benefits to the full. I agree with previous post that Bali offers a wide range of good priced accommodation closer to local amenities which we have used in the past but I think your post may attract people to 5 star Asia ahead of 3 star short haul for the same price. Thanks
Thanks!
Yeah, I got my Amex platinum card and planning next year’s holiday. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻 As I remember Amex Platinum gives more Amex Rewards points when we use their portal to book hotels, don’t they?
I believe so, think it’s 2 per £
Thanks mate they just gave me 50000 points after I messaged them on the chat and I told them that I was going g to leave. See i had a gold card and get the 30000 points to after I signed up but then I got a platinum card a few months after I spent the £7000 i. The first 2 months but they said as I had a gold card it has to be 24 months before I could benefit from another card sign up
50k points is a great result for a retention bonus!
Nice review. Personally I think that the Platinum card once you go past its sign up benefits doesn't offer a lot of value going forward with its astronomic annual fees. So I stick with the BA Amex card which also is starting to become a lot more expensive. In terms of this 4 night stay, £1,200 is a lot for SE Asia considering it was effectively bed and breakfast with a £100 food voucher thrown in. When it comes to these sorts of resorts its nice to eat in the hotel to enjoy the quality of the restaurants but for such a resort I would be looking for somewhere you can get to quickly to try the local more authentic cuisine at a fraction of the price.
The platinum works well for me, but definitely isn’t for everyone. I do make very good use of priority pass and the dining credits. So the occasional hotel benefit and other perks are very nice to have on top. I earned a lot through spending on the platinum over the last year too as they gave me a few months of 4 points per £ as part of a referral bonus, and then when that expired I earned another that gave me 3 points per £ for a few months.
hi there! loved this video. would you mind commenting if someone has to climb over your legs when you're reclined, in order to access the aisle? i keep hearing this is a significant problem, but I guess it depends on how often someone has to get up. I think that's my only concern.
Thanks very much. It can be an issue, but it actually never happened to me on this flight. The person who would have had to climb over me stayed in their seat all night. It just depends who is there, and you can improve things depending on seat selection.
Interesting video. Never thought about the hotel benefits of the Platinum card. Are we ever going to hear from Kelly?
It’s a benefit that I always completely disregarded too! She’s not too keen, but maybe someday. She’d definitely make the videos more interesting!
We are off to Alicante Xmas Eve they have given us 21e and 21f does it have a window it’s this plane
21F should have a window. Have a great flight and a great time in Alicante!
Great review! We chose seats 1e and 1f for our upcoming flight… did you find the proximity to the galley/lav bothersome?
Thanks! No, didn’t bother us at all to be honest, especially with the door closed we didn’t really notice anything else going on in the cabin.
just to let you know ...there s a 90% chance that they will change the plane and you will get one without the qsuite.....it happend to me on the last three flights
A lot of ticks there. Amboseli?
Masai Mara. Would love to get to Amboseli too though!
There a few months ago. Very impressed by the way in which the city walls go up the cliff at the back of the town. Looks like you were able to climb up it.
Good video. I avoid EasyJet as much as possible - despite being a shareholder. Operationally, they're a mess. I'll buy lounge-access beforehand and then look as big as possible, on boarding, in the hope of a reseating to an exit-row. But I can cope with their standard pitch despite being 6'5".
Too much mouth noise and sibilance 😵💫
The T5 First lounge is ok but I don't find it much of a step up from Galleries South. I actually prefer the T5B Galleries lounge. The First check-in is very nice. The real First class lounge (Concorde Room) is excellent. As a Gold Card holder I really love the other OneWorld lounges at T3 especially Cathay Pacific and Qantas. It's nice being able to select the front row on Short Haul Business :)
Hello sorry to ask could you please advise me, I have 140k amex points and wanted to book a return flight for 2 to Delhi in february from Uk Should I just transfer them to Qatar avios and book normally there? Thank you
If you’re wanting business class I believe a return trip on Qatar is 110k points per person so you may be a few points short. Always worth checking that there is reward availability before you do the transfer too.
@ thank you, I just want to use the points and not use cash atm, so should I just transfer them and book it on Qatar website?
I thought business class was only for peaple going on business trips or peaple who have to travel for work
Great advice, thank you. As a solo traveller on business I usually have hotels supplied by my company, so I book the car hire option for the Holidays to get my double TP. This does have the advantage that I can tour around on the weekends before or after meetings and see a bit of the country I am in or take some photographs. I am going for Gold next year too thanks to some timely work trips and double points on BA Holidays.
The sausages are so good
I was definitely glad I skipped the full English on my inbound flight to eat that in the lounge instead!
Unusual for TFW security to be grumpy: my experience it is the complete opposite, usually enjoying a short chat as we go through the motions. Would it come as any surprise that many OW first class lounges in SE Asia are markedly better, such as JAL at Haneda & Narita, and the Wing F and Pier F in HKG?
Hopefully they’ll be a bit more friendly next time I go through! I’m very much looking forward to trying out both the JAL and Cathay ones in just a couple of months!
That’s means is not first class service for First class.I worked there and also for Concorde room ,and also I don’t think doesn’t come any close to Qatar, etihad or centurion lounge.U don’t see the back stage.
There's actually to-go coffee cups in the business class lounge. Ask the staff and they will be provide cups
You mentioned that they provide domestic connections free, is that anywhere or just outside of Europe? Just as I'll have to do like yourself and fly to Heathrow, but from Manchester instead
Yeah that’s unfortunately just when connecting from/to long haul routes.
U know those “pancakes” are from frozen ,not fresh,even the scramble eggs.the mix is ready made in production kitchen.
The pancakes were at least still very edible though despite that!
Good video. Black pudding there? Fabtastic.. I end the year with 30,000 Avios and no TPs. I won't be seeing you in there anytime soon. Merry Christmas.
Thanks! Yes there was but not for me! Merry Christmas!
Stop cheaping out on the drinks BA
You were probably just too tired on your second flight so would have probably slept 5 hrs even in economy 😉. And on the first flight you were very excited about going on a holiday… 🤗
I don’t know about that, don’t think I’ve ever managed sleep in economy!
It’ll probably be cheaper to go economy, book the seat next to you, pay for the extra bag and have a good meal before you go. More or less same experience and probably works out cheaper individually (depending on the flight).
What brand of champagne were they serving?
Was it worth it?
Definitely! We’ve since booked 3 more cruises in a seriously suite with Virgin!
Have you flown Malaysia 🇲🇾 airlines
I’ve flown Malaysian once about 10 years ago on a short regional flight to KL
Have you been to Malaysia 🇲🇾
i like how aerolopa calls this domestic first
I don’t think the club suite seats are uncompetitive on paper for long haul, but my biggest gripe with BA is how poor the maintenance of these seats are! Flew LHR-CPT 2 weeks ago in Club suites and you could tell that someone in engineering had not been looking after things; the seat electrics failed 2 hours in which meant that I had to manually adjust the seat via the spring lever underneath, and all the storage boxes required an ungodly amount of force to slam shut due to latches seizing and becoming stiff. Really a bottle of degreaser and lubricant would solve the issue in seconds, but it seems no one can be bothered to do the basics. G-STBO is a 4 year old 777-300er, so everything on board is relatively new. No excuse for such awful maintenance. It’s a real shame because 5 years ago, when I was a fresh graduate, I applied for a leadership role for BA and was rejected because of how strict and rigorous the standard was. One would think that with all those ‘smart’ boys in the company, things would be running smoothly, but it seems none of their esteemed graduates even know how to look after the cornerstone of the business; their aircraft 😂😂😂
The Jewel is Incredible
8:12 also if theyre 10 mins apart surely thats where the a380 comes in! Although I think the overnight flight and early morning timeslot is most preferred for a flight of this length flying West for many passengers who can sleep the whole way and feel fresh on arrival.
6:38 not the only one, those zips are so annoying. It makes reusing those bags not useful even though they look pretty and are a small size compared to other amenity kits
Glad I’m not the only one! Definitely broken more than I’ve managed to keep intact!
My Sister used to fly BA a lot when Working in America and returning home, this was a while ago and I still look at the interior and think of a Ford Escort from the 90's. Its that Grey plastic I noticed they are planning a major revamp and its long overdue, when you are paying a lot for the fare grey plastic has no place being anywhere near it.
As you mentioned the eye mask is amazing!
Good video. I’m flying to Melbourne in Feb and 3 of the 4 flights are non Q suite. I don’t mind about privacy at all, more the comfort, service and F&B quality and this looks superb.
Nothing but being able to lay flat and sleep matters.
Definitely the most important factor on an overnight flight like this!
Great video. Quite undwhelming for what cost over £6000 return. I'm looking to fly to Japan late next year for a special retirement family holiday. Can't stomach the thought of 15+ in economy. Have been looking at either Premier Economy or Buisness with Finnair, JAL, ANA and BA. Not cheap for four!! I've only just joined BA Executive Club so have no significant AVIOS points or status, will be cash tickets. Any thoughts from yourself or channel viewers?
Thanks! The challenge you’ll have with Japan as well, even if you manage to earn or buy enough points, is trying to find availability for 4 reward flights as it’s so popular. So best option might be to book the cheapest business ticket if affordable, and maybe premium if it’s not. My guess would be that Finnair will likely be the cheapest option, and that seat is incredibly comfortable (there’s a video on my channel). Haven’t tried ANA or JAL yet but from what I understand both will have great food and service, particularly ANA, and if you can get ANA The Room, that’s one of the best business class seats available. Our tactic for getting to Japan, which we’re doing next year, is to fly to Korea first, as we were able to get Qatar QSuite availability to Seoul on points, and then from there, after a few days we’re then heading over to Japan on a cheap cash ticket.
@charlesontravels Thanks for the reply. Finnair does look like a nice buisness class option for the price. ANA looks georgeous with The Room, cost about 14K for four return thou. My brother has lived in Japan for 30 years, he always use ANA rather than JAL, but both seem very good to me. Thanks again for the reply.
Assuming you are boarding in the UK and have flexibility over routing and timing.... It's worth comparing departing UK with QR, EY, AY from LHR/LGW/MAN or BHX - arriving in NRT or possibly ICN (flights from Korea to Japan are frequent and cheap). Premium fares are generally LHR to HND on a 'major' carrier - i.e. direct flights. it is well worth considering an indirect flight if you are crossing 8 or 9 time zones as you will have two bites of the cherry in terms of getting some sleep. There's also the possibility of grabbing a shower half way? I've booked business as low as £1250 with EY and AY (one way) and seen those rates double or triple just a day either side. Flexibility is the key.
Thanks for another unbiased trip report. Looking forward to your First class review soon.
Thanks!
What’s really poor with BA business class, is that they charge for selecting which seat you would like, and can be around £100 each way.
Selfishly that’s a policy I actually quite like. Silver and Gold status with BA gets you free seat selection. And when it costs so much that most aren’t willing to pay, it makes it a genuine benefit of status to have your pick of the best seats. Doesn’t make a huge difference in the new club suites, but on the old club world, or if you’re in economy, having that seat selection can be very valuable!
@ Ok didn’t know that, so I guess it makes sense, though Virgin Upper Class seat selection is free
Qatar charge in Business unless you pay for full price ticket.
@flyboy747uk What Charles said is 100% correct. BA doesn't really want people to be able to reserve seats as it's a PIA if they have to move people for operational reasons. But if people REALLY want a specific seat, BA will happily charge a lot for it because people will pay it. They also want to reward their Executive Club members. Imagine if you're BA Gold, and all the good seats have been taken by those paying cheap fares for their one off holidays, you're going to ask why should you bother being a Gold member? It's not as if BA gives you a lot when you're Silver or even Gold. Having free seat selection is a nice, cheap and easy perk to reward Executive Club members with, something that is highly appreciated by the members.
@@flyboy747uk I never pay for seat selection when I don't have status. I don't want to pay it. I'm happy with almost any seat on the aircraft.
Have you flown Singapore 🇸🇬 airlines
Not yet!