A mileage sale was happening when I recieved a message from a friend suggesting me to get a ticket. After searching for a few minutes, I picked some dates and bought it. 60K each way with Alaska Airlines Mileage Program. Currently those same tickets are 235k each way. The flight was months away, so I just tucked that ticket away and ng about it.
As time was getting close, we both continued to message each other asking if we were both going to go. We both were uncommitted and unsure. As time got closer and more and more thought was put into it, I could not justify letting such a good deal go. So I made the decision a month out, I was going.
This started frantic searching for destinations, hotels, airfare and mileage and point redemption. I contacted multiple friends in Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and asked for their opinions. I did not realize but the week of my ticket was Chinese New Year. Taiwan would be extremely different. So I made the choice to spend little time in Taiwan, Philippines and Thailand. I tried to add on Indonesia, or Korea or even Cambodia. But since the time would be short I kept it to Countries I was familiar with and had friends to keep the cost down.
Routing SEA-LAX – Alaska Airlines (Paid Ticket)
LAX-TPE – Starlux Airlines (Mileage Redemption on AS)
TPE – MNL-BKK -flying on EVA and THAI Airways (Mileage Redemption through AC, with an overnight layover in MNL)
BKK-TPE – Flying on Thai Airways(Mileage Redemtpion on AC,)
TPE-LAX -Starlux Airlines (Mileage Redemption on AS)
LAX-SEA – Alaska Airlines (Paid Ticket)
I transfered miles from my Capital One Venture X card into my Air Canada Account. I either paid for my internal Thailand tickets with Venture X Card and then transfered miles to cover the cost or I just paid the airfare.
I also stayed at Airbnb many nights and paid for the expense with Capital One points.
Having the Priority Pass which I have through the Chase Saphire Reserve card allows me to have a meal at Bambuza in the North Terminal at SeaTac Airport.
After having Rice with Garlic Pork, a quick wait at gate 20 for my flight to LAX. I was offered $250 to take a later flight which I would have gladly accepted however, our flight was late as it was and everyone jumped to a different flights so my offer was not necessary. Due to the flgith being late, everyone recieved a $12.50 food vaoucher which I spent on chocolates.
Starlux currently flies out of SFO and LAX. My ticket was out of LAX. So i had to reposition myself down to LAX. Alaska Airlines was my goto airline for the quick flgiht. I flew the poor mans first class, i.e. Row 6, “premium economy”. It has nice leg room and is up front.
Once arriving LAX, I had the option of staying air side and taking the maz of tunnels and walk ways from Terminal 6, to 5 to 4 to TBL. However, I simply exited and walked outside to TBL. It really isn’t that far of a walk.
Although i checked in online, there is something about having a paper boarding pass. The nostalgia, or the token to take back home with you. I waited in the short line, checked in and off to the TSA. At TBL, security to the right is normal security. Security to the left is PreCheck, Clear and all others. I initially went the wrong way and quickly corrected myself to PreCheck.
Once clearing security and entering TB, the signs were initially clear as to which direction to go.
The lounge is a great open space with a bar, food, showers, and a plethora of seating. The lounge was busy upon entery and gradually become more busy over time.
Food options were abundant. From american, asian, european and if you consider nachos latino.
I would be eating on the plane so i stayed small and healthy.
I visited the restroom twice while I was there. and each time I went, it seemed well used. A little tidying up could help bring out the sparkle.
My gate was a nice 10-15 minute walk from the Lounge. I tend to like to walk around about 10-15 minutes before long flights. I think of it as exercise and I feel a bit more healthy. So off to the gate i went.
Boarding was a breeze. The fight was about 15 minutes late but not significant. there were 3 signs set up for economy zones, which were placed far from the gate door and one sign for Premium economy, which was placed opposite of economy but still a bit off. Business class had a sign, but it was being held by a gate agent that was walking around with the sign down to the side of his body. So a bit of confusion if we were to follow him or if we could just gather in front of the gate like a flock of sheep. It was the gathering in front of the gate like a flock of sheep.
Boarding had begun. People with assisance were boarded first and immediately afterwards was Business class.
We were provided the following:
Blanket
Pillow
Bottled Water
Pjamas
BRICS Amenity Kit
Face Mask
A predeparture beverage, which is a fruit juice and a hot tow,el was served.
Inside the electronics cabinet was a cordless charging pad. Which, I do not see, often enough on fights.
The ports included a USB-C Port, which is rare on planes these days. I liked this as my charging cable is USB-C on both ends.
If I had any major complaints, it would be the lack of storage areas down in my seat area. My foot rest acted as my storage area, which included my blanket, pillow, shoes, and jacket. I usually keep my jacket with me since it has a hood and I wear the hood when I sleep to help keep it dark. For some reason, I do not like eye masks.
The menu was filled with both Asian and American food to choose from. We had three American options. I choose, the steak. Although it was very undercooked for me (like Medium Rare), it was still delicious.
My arrival into TPE was quick. We arrived around 5:30 AM. The airport was empty. They ushered those of us with connections into the main terminal without going through security again. Since I was early, I went to the China Airlines Lounge (my next carrier), took a shower, and walked to the other side of the airport to catch my flight. This will be another post.
JetBoyErik 
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