Amsterdam Schiphol is not exactly short on lounges, but when it comes to flying within the Schengen zone, KLM Crown Lounge 25 is clearly the flagship option. I’ve passed through this lounge multiple times, and it remains the most reliable place to relax, eat properly and reset before a European flight. All thanks to my Kenya Airways Platinum status.
(more…)Fly for Points Search
Search and buy flights based on how many elite status points you will earn.
Fly for Points Blog
Iberia Velázquez Lounge at Madrid–Barajas is Crap
For many frequent flyers, non-Schengen lounges tend to be the bright side of European travel. Airlines usually reserve their better facilities for long-haul passengers, offering improved food, calmer spaces and a more premium overall experience. Unfortunately, Iberia’s Velázquez Lounge at Madrid–Barajas Airport defies that expectation. Located in Terminal 4S, the flagship non-Schengen lounge of Spain’s national carrier feels like a missed opportunity—especially for an airline that represents a major European hub. Not to mention that Iberia is the only European oneworld airline that does not have a first class lounge.
(more…)
Tallinn Airport Lounge Is a Tiny Treasure
Tallinn Airport is known for its compact, human-scaled design, and its single lounge perfectly reflects this character. As the only airport lounge not only in Tallinn but in all of Estonia, it carries the unusual distinction of being the country’s sole lounge offering. Yet it performs impressively well, delivering a warm and polished experience that rivals, and in many ways surpasses, lounges at much larger international airports. Rather than feeling limited by space, the lounge embraces its size and turns it into an advantage.
(more…)
Review: EVA Air Business Class in Asia, Just WOW!
When you think about premium flying in Asia, EVA Air inevitably comes to mind. As a proud member of the Star Alliance, EVA Air has built a reputation for offering consistency and comfort across its regional and long-haul routes. Recently, I had the chance to fly their Business Class from Seoul (ICN) to Kaohsiung (KHH), and while it was a short flight, it packed in nearly everything you’d expect from a five-star airline… plus a couple of surprises.
(more…)
My Japan Airlines Economy Class Experience
When it comes to long-haul travel, comfort and hospitality make all the difference — and Japan Airlines (JAL) continues to impress me every time I fly. As one of my favorite airlines, JAL consistently delivers an experience that feels distinctly Japanese: calm, efficient, and elegantly understated. Here’s a look at what makes their economy class such a pleasure.
(more…)
Is Oman Air Scamming Business Class Flyers? Downgrades, Denials and a Disturbing Pattern
If you’ve been browsing FlyerTalk or Reddit lately, you’ve probably seen the wave of frustration building over Oman Air’s questionable treatment of business class passengers. A growing number of travelers are reporting a troubling pattern: you book a cheap business class ticket, receive confirmation, maybe even select your seat—and then, suddenly, you’re downgraded to economy. Sometimes the airline notifies you weeks later, and in a few shocking cases, passengers only find out at the airport.
It’s left many wondering: is Oman Air making honest mistakes, or is this a calculated strategy to bait travelers with attractive business fares they never intend to honor?
(more…)
The Oneworld Lounge at Seoul Incheon Airport: What a Gem!
When you think of airline alliances at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport, oneworld might not be the first that comes to mind. After all, South Korea is the proud home of SkyTeam member Korean Air and Star Alliance carrier Asiana Airlines. Yet, nestled among their strongholds is a lounge that defies expectations — the oneworld Lounge at Incheon, a space so thoughtfully designed and well-curated that it has even taken home international awards.
(more…)
Free Upgrade: China Eastern Airlines Domestic Business Class
When China recently reopened its borders and began allowing visa-free travel for most Europeans, I knew it was the perfect time to visit again. I booked my flights months in advance, settling for a standard economy class ticket. But as my travel date approached, curiosity got the better of me — how much would it cost to upgrade to business class?
(more…)
Which Airlines Let You Pay to Boost Your Status Tier?
If you’ve ever found yourself just a few miles or tier points short of elite airline status, you’re not alone. In recent years, several major airlines have introduced a new kind of perk for loyalty members: paid status boosters. These programs let frequent flyers pay a fee—monthly, quarterly, or one-time—to supercharge their elite status progress, sometimes even without setting foot on a plane. And yes, they’re perfectly legit.
In this post, we break down which airlines across the Oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance offer these paid tier accelerators—so you can plan smarter, travel better and get the perks you deserve.
(more…)
Iberia Business Class on Airbus A350: A Mixed Experience
Flying from London to Madrid, I found myself on an Iberia-operated flight that turned out to be more confusing than luxurious. The ticket was originally sold by Finnair as part of a longer itinerary, and when I decided to upgrade the Iberia segment, things got messy. Finnair’s reservation system completely lost track of my London–Madrid flight. It took a small army of Finnair staff in Helsinki to piece together what happened, just to ensure my checked bag could make the journey. Ironically, the only airline that could see the full itinerary was Iberia itself—a curious glitch for two oneworld partners supposedly sharing data seamlessly.
(more…)