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The Alviator The Alviator
  • Flight Reviews
    • Longhaul Business Class Travel
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The Latest
Review: Kyra Lounge Gate 40, Hong Kong (HKG)
Review: The Phoenix Lounge, Dublin (DUB) – The Most Overhyped New Lounge?
a person standing in the back of an airplane
Cathay Pacific’s 1 AM Flight To Guangzhou: Who Uses This Flight!?
Air New Zealand’s Messy Economy Skynest Pricing (I Was Wrong…)
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the inside of an airplane
January 6, 2026

Greater Bay Airlines’ Premium: Hey, This Is Polished

I flew Greater Bay Airlines' brand-new Premium class from Hong Kong to Tokyo. Here are my first impressions of this surprisingly polished product.
byAlvin
One comment
a row of seats in an airplane
December 29, 2025

Hong Kong Airlines’ A321 Economy Class: Basic, Clean, No-Frills

I flew Hong Kong Airlines' A321 economy class on the 1h 55m flight from Hong Kong to Danang. Here are my first impressions of the experience.
byAlvin
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a plane with many seats
December 26, 2025

British Airways’ A350 Premium Economy: Exceptionally Well-Intentioned, Passably Executed

I flew British Airways' A350 premium economy, which was my first time flying their premium economy product in six years. Here's what I thought.
byAlvin
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a room with chairs and tables
December 17, 2025

Review: China Eastern Domestic Lounge 35, Shanghai (PVG)

A review of China Eastern's domestic lounge at Shanghai PVG Airport. Apart from business class passengers, AmEx cardholders can also access this lounge.
byAlvin
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the inside of an airplane with rows of seats
December 17, 2025

Cathay Pacific Introduces Free WiFi For Premium Economy Passengers (With A Catch)

Cathay Pacific is introducing free WiFi for their premium economy passengers. However, you need to be crediting your flight to Cathay.
byAlvin
One comment
a plane with seats and people in the background
December 16, 2025

Review: China Eastern A350 Premium Economy (MAD-PVG)

A review of China Eastern's A350 premium economy class on the 12h 50m flight from Madrid to Shanghai, including seats, catering, and more.
byAlvin
No comments
a person walking with luggage in an airport
December 10, 2025

What Are The Major Airline Alliances? What Does This Mean For Miles And Points?

The concept of alliances is common across the air travel industry. Here's what an alliance means for miles and points in 2025.
byAlvin
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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, by Madrid Airport (MAD)

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
No comments
a row of seats in an airplane
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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a room with a couch and a table
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
No comments
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
a seat on an airplane
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
a person standing in the middle of an airplane
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
No comments
Recent Posts
  • Review: Kyra Lounge Gate 40, Hong Kong (HKG) May 26, 2026
  • Review: The Phoenix Lounge, Dublin (DUB) – The Most Overhyped New Lounge? May 22, 2026
  • Cathay Pacific’s 1 AM Flight To Guangzhou: Who Uses This Flight!? May 21, 2026
  • Air New Zealand’s Messy Economy Skynest Pricing (I Was Wrong…) May 20, 2026
  • Review: Air New Zealand 787 Premium Economy (AKL-HKG) May 19, 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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