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The Alviator The Alviator
  • Flight Reviews
    • Longhaul Business Class Travel
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    • Intra-European Leisure Travel
    • Intra-European Business Travel
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The Alviator The Alviator
The Latest
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Cathay Pacific Introduces New Regional Business Class: Yay, This Looks Nice!
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Review: No. 170 VIP Lounge, Shanghai Pudong T2 (PVG)
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Review: Cathay Pacific Refreshed A330 Regional Business Class (HKG-PVG)
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Review: Cathay Pacific The Bridge Business Class Lounge, Hong Kong (HKG) [2025]
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a seat in an airplane
December 8, 2025

Best Ways To Use Flying Blue Miles (Air France/KLM)

Here are my favourite ways to use Flying Blue miles, one of the more lucrative and easily usable SkyTeam miles programmes out there.
byAlvin
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a room with a bed and a tv
December 6, 2025

Review: uVe Hotel Alcobendas (Madrid, Spain)

A review of the 176-room uVe hotel Alcobendas, situated in the Alcobendas municipality a short shuttle ride from Madrid Airport.
byAlvin
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two beds in a room
December 5, 2025

Best Ways To Use IHG Points

Here are a few of my favourite ways to use IHG points, whether that be for aspirational hotel redemptions, or some of their other uses.
byAlvin
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November 29, 2025

Free And Easy Wins To Maximise Your Future Mileage Redemption Opportunities

Nothing frustrates a traveller more than "your account must be 90 days old in order to transfer miles" – here are some preventative measures.
byAlvin
One comment
an airplane wing above a body of water
November 28, 2025

My Favourite Flight Times Between Asia And Europe

I've flown countless flights between Asia and Europe, and am starting to develop a preference for when I'd like these flights to be.
byAlvin
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people walking in a large airport
November 27, 2025

What Time Do You Get To The Airport Before Your Flight?

Airlines say get to the airport three hours before. The "airport theory" suggests fifteen minutes before. Here's how I pick the in-between.
byAlvin
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an airplane with blue seats
November 26, 2025

Review: Air Europa 737 Economy Class (ALC-MAD)

A brief review of my domestic Air Europa flight between Alicante and Madrid, including the booking process and onboard experience.
byAlvin
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November 25, 2025

Review: British Airways Business Lounge, London Gatwick (LGW)

A review of British Airways' business class lounge at London Gatwick Airport, open to business class passengers and Oneworld Sapphire members.
byAlvin
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a laptop on a table in an airplane
November 22, 2025

Trip Report Introduction: A MAD Trip Through HEL (and China)

In Nov 2025, I flew through Madrid, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Helsinki, to review China Eastern and Finnair A350 premium economy (among others).
byAlvin
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a row of seats with monitors on the side
November 22, 2025

Finnair’s A350 Premium Economy: Less “Budget” Than I Was Expecting

I just flew the 14h 15m flight from Shanghai to Helsinki in Finnair's A350 premium economy. Here are my first impressions of the flight.
byAlvin
2 comments
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November 21, 2025

Which Aircraft Feature Cathay Pacific’s Refreshed Regional Business Class?

While we generally encourage people to pay more attention to different types of premium cabin products here at…
byAlvin
2 comments
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November 20, 2025

Best Uses Of Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles

Vietnam Airlines Lotusmiles are a popular SkyTeam mileage option within Asia, so it's worth chatting through some of their best uses.
byAlvin
One comment
a room with a couch and chairs
November 19, 2025

Review: Plaza Premium Lounge, London Heathrow T2 (LHR)

A review of the aging Plaza Premium lounge at LHR T2, open to AmEx Platinum and Priority Pass cardholders (some facilities cost extra).
byAlvin
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a plane with blue seats
November 19, 2025

My First Domestic Flight Within China In 8+ Years…

Today I flew domestically within China for the first time in 8+ years. It can be a shock to the system given how "Chinese" it is.
byAlvin
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November 18, 2025

My Experience Using The New EU Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EU entry-exit system (EES) has been known to have caused havoc at airports in the past month – here's how it worked (or not) for me.
byAlvin
One comment
a row of seats in an airplane
November 18, 2025

China Eastern’s A350 Premium Economy: Pleasant, but Unmemorable

I flew China Eastern's A350 premium economy on the 12h 50m flight from Madrid to Shanghai. Here are my first impressions of the flight.
byAlvin
One comment
a room with tables and chairs and a large window
November 17, 2025

British Airways’ Gatwick Lounge: A Very Pleasant Surprise

I visited BA's lounge at Gatwick today, and was very pleasantly surprised. This lounge is so much better than the airline's Heathrow lounges.
byAlvin
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a room with couches and chairs
November 14, 2025

Review: No1 Lounge, London Heathrow T2 (LHR)

A review of the No1 Lounge at Heathrow's Terminal 2, which opened in late 2024. This lounge is open to Priority Pass members.
byAlvin
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November 13, 2025

The Single Best Use of Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles

I've been a skeptic of Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles, though I've found an incredibly good use of them. Here's what it is.
byAlvin
4 comments
a row of seats on an airplane
November 13, 2025

Which Airlines Still Offer 9-Abreast Economy Seating On Their 777s?

The industry-standard economy configuration is now 10-abreast seating, though here are the few airlines that still offer 9-abreast seating.
byAlvin
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Recent Posts
  • Cathay Pacific Introduces New Regional Business Class: Yay, This Looks Nice! February 4, 2026
  • Review: No. 170 VIP Lounge, Shanghai Pudong T2 (PVG) February 3, 2026
  • Review: Cathay Pacific Refreshed A330 Regional Business Class (HKG-PVG) February 3, 2026
  • Review: Cathay Pacific The Bridge Business Class Lounge, Hong Kong (HKG) [2025] February 2, 2026
  • The Best Business Class Flights You Can Find Intra-Europe (And How To Fly Them) January 30, 2026
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The Alviator The Alviator
Hi! I’m Alvin Tse, and I’m a 24-year-old management consultant from Hong Kong. I’m an aviation enthusiast and travel aficionado who is committed to helping people elevate their travel experiences with cheap deals, airline mileage programs, and hotel points.
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