Tier Point Run to Hawaii in Dec 2022 – Summary

By Nige on Thu 22 Dec 2022 at 05:38
Type: Post
Story: Tier Point Run to Hawaii in Dec 2022
Tags: British Airways | BUD | Budapest | EWR | Hilton | HNL | Honolulu | JFK | LAX | LHR | London | Los Angeles | New York | Trips | United Airlines | USA

Another enjoyable, if slightly frustrating, trip earning Tier Points, which included my first ever overnight delay(in 10 years of regular flying), caused by a flight cancellation.

Other highlights and lowlights of this trip:

BA Flights

First time I have experienced BA de-icing – seemed a fairly slick exercise, although this caused a flight delay. Last time I experienced de-icing was on a Finnair A350 in Helsinki and they were very well organised – the exercise was built into the flight timings, so there was no additional delay to the flight.

The initial flights to and from Budapest were pretty good in terms of onboard services. Food was very good (especially the turkey dinner); cabin crew were also good, although there was a distinct lack of control of passengers getting up from their seats before the seat belt sign had been turned off.

The First Class flight to New York was good. The food on the day flight to New York was top notch. Managed to get a window seat although it was the old First Class suite. IFE was uninteresting on this trip.

BA’s problems with IT were in evidence with their flight planning system issues that caused my flight back to Heathrow to be cancelled. BA’s attempt to proactively rebook me wasn’t too impressive either. I was downgraded and will have to suffer the pain of claiming expenses and compensation.

United Flight

I flew United after the IRROPS. My first flight with them for years. Overall it was a decent experience.

I had a Polaris business class seat on their 767 service from Newark. The lounge at Terminal C was really impressive with a good range of seating, good quality food and a great view of the apron.

The flight itself was pretty decent. The hard and soft product was pretty decent, although the food could have been better. It also led to my first ever use of Heathrow Terminal 2.

AA Flights

Normally very consistent in terms of punctuality, determination to get there on time, good levels of service in the First Class cabin. The A321T transcontinental business class seats are always nice and the food is always pretty good.

The Hawaii First Class seats are just about acceptable, but it’s a struggle at times. However, they are better than the old 757/737s that used to fly this route.

Ibis Styles Hotel, Budapest Airport

Another good stay at this excellent hotel; great value for money and style. My junior suite was good and stylish. For an easy stop over prior to an early flight from Budapest, it’s the only place to stay.

Hilton, Los Angeles Airport

I enjoy this hotel – I don’t know why to be honest. It’s located fairly close to LAX and the rooms are of a decent size. As normal, I didn’t make that much use of it.

Hilton Waikiki Beach

This is quickly turning into my favourite hotel in Waikiki. I was upgraded to a very high floor with a great view of the pacific. Shame about the weather in Hawaii, but that’s life!

Follow the whole story here: Tier Point Run to Hawaii in Dec 2022