I Flew EVERY SkyTeam Airline to win 1 MILLION Air Miles
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Date: 2024-12-09
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Comments and reviews: 20
Howard-rc8dk
Chinese here love it when you struggle to pronounce Guangzhou and didn't understand as you said Xiamen Airline actually it sounds more like shamen instead of jamen but never mind you video is fantastic another interesting thing is the xianmen airline on board meals are generally very well-received here in China so I guess it is cooked catering to oriental taste. And about the Chinese airport security thing, I absolutely agree with every word of you. They are just notoriously tedious and frustrating even for domestic fights and connections, not to mention the international ones. Basically everything is just a bit of a faff. Here in China, we joke that all these troubles are meant to get people traveling by trainAnd the phenomenon you mention about the lady shouting into a mic is also interesting. I think there is really something cultural going on behind this, as people from other countries seem less likely to do that. One reason might be that Chinese people seem to be often highly immune to sound from a speaker, which might be due to the fact that back in the days that's what they use every day in every community during communism construction. Even today it is used everywhere and sometimes too casually in China. As a result, the speaking person might forget to lower voice when needed, and listeners often pay little or no extra attention. I guess that's why in public nowadays in China we still see people shouting into mic even when it's oblivious unnecessary. More like a habit with cultural background. Keep on with great videos and in the future you might want to consider avoiding flights through China really
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Chinese here love it when you struggle to pronounce Guangzhou and didn't understand as you said Xiamen Airline actually it sounds more like shamen instead of jamen but never mind you video is fantastic another interesting thing is the xianmen airline on board meals are generally very well-received here in China so I guess it is cooked catering to oriental taste. And about the Chinese airport security thing, I absolutely agree with every word of you. They are just notoriously tedious and frustrating even for domestic fights and connections, not to mention the international ones. Basically everything is just a bit of a faff. Here in China, we joke that all these troubles are meant to get people traveling by trainAnd the phenomenon you mention about the lady shouting into a mic is also interesting. I think there is really something cultural going on behind this, as people from other countries seem less likely to do that. One reason might be that Chinese people seem to be often highly immune to sound from a speaker, which might be due to the fact that back in the days that's what they use every day in every community during communism construction. Even today it is used everywhere and sometimes too casually in China. As a result, the speaking person might forget to lower voice when needed, and listeners often pay little or no extra attention. I guess that's why in public nowadays in China we still see people shouting into mic even when it's oblivious unnecessary. More like a habit with cultural background. Keep on with great videos and in the future you might want to consider avoiding flights through China really
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StevenYLol
China does get some of the more stringent (aka annoying) security requirements in the world. You are almost always granted a full patdown and you absolutely have to remove LAGs, power banks, any devices bigger than your phone, and umbrellas from your carry-on. As long as you heeded the notice, you are in and out in a rather short time (yeah, pat down is still expected. But most foreigners do not and I say the airports could take the blame partially as English signage is limited and personnel's English is pretty bad.
That said, we do have something called Easy Security that is in line with TSA Pre and is fully free of charge. The implementation is inconsistent across airports and only opens for CN ID holders, however.
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China does get some of the more stringent (aka annoying) security requirements in the world. You are almost always granted a full patdown and you absolutely have to remove LAGs, power banks, any devices bigger than your phone, and umbrellas from your carry-on. As long as you heeded the notice, you are in and out in a rather short time (yeah, pat down is still expected. But most foreigners do not and I say the airports could take the blame partially as English signage is limited and personnel's English is pretty bad.
That said, we do have something called Easy Security that is in line with TSA Pre and is fully free of charge. The implementation is inconsistent across airports and only opens for CN ID holders, however.
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studioxxswe
I'm afraid the comment field is not big enough for all the positive feedback Noel but thanks for making this video a bit longer so we all could get a good feeling about the trip.
I'm a SAS Gold member for 7 years or so and just would not be patience enough nor would want to spend that money (nice to have an sponsor, even for a million miles (I get 500k for free every year due to their Amex branded CC) - Glad your UK blood showed up in patience here, I might have not been successful entering China. lol
But I can say you really need an Amex Platinum card so you can use the Amex Centurion lounged around the world, GRU really have a nice lounge, same with EZE, MEX and a few others.
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I'm afraid the comment field is not big enough for all the positive feedback Noel but thanks for making this video a bit longer so we all could get a good feeling about the trip.
I'm a SAS Gold member for 7 years or so and just would not be patience enough nor would want to spend that money (nice to have an sponsor, even for a million miles (I get 500k for free every year due to their Amex branded CC) - Glad your UK blood showed up in patience here, I might have not been successful entering China. lol
But I can say you really need an Amex Platinum card so you can use the Amex Centurion lounged around the world, GRU really have a nice lounge, same with EZE, MEX and a few others.
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andrewwetton9219
This is absolutely your best ever video Noel. An amazing complex itinerary to book especially as so many countries like Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, China require a visa and you had to run the risk that, although no visa should be required for transit, things can go horribly wrong with the wrong immigration officer on duty! I’m in awe of your trip planning and booking skills.
If you look at Head for Points UK one of their patterns is also doing the Skyteam challenge and it was amazing that you met others encounter doing the same thing.
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This is absolutely your best ever video Noel. An amazing complex itinerary to book especially as so many countries like Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, China require a visa and you had to run the risk that, although no visa should be required for transit, things can go horribly wrong with the wrong immigration officer on duty! I’m in awe of your trip planning and booking skills.
If you look at Head for Points UK one of their patterns is also doing the Skyteam challenge and it was amazing that you met others encounter doing the same thing.
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jerlatti
Dear Noel, it's a shame to see that you're experiencing trouble dealing with flights to/via China. To be honest, I don't think that the trouble caused by the glassed gentleman at the Bangkok airport was caused by the policies of China Eastern. Dutch national here flying with all kinds of Chinese airliners (domestically and internationally) all the time. And contact me next time you make similar plans to fly in this direction. I can also help with the pronunciation of the names of airliners and cities. :)
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Dear Noel, it's a shame to see that you're experiencing trouble dealing with flights to/via China. To be honest, I don't think that the trouble caused by the glassed gentleman at the Bangkok airport was caused by the policies of China Eastern. Dutch national here flying with all kinds of Chinese airliners (domestically and internationally) all the time. And contact me next time you make similar plans to fly in this direction. I can also help with the pronunciation of the names of airliners and cities. :)
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hubertl75
Saying Well done Noel would be the vlog understatement of the year! Most vloggers are only venturing into what has already been done many times. Just think how many vlogs there are about the Emirates First Class product. But this video tale is unique and terribly well made as usual. Your cool, wit and quite informative tales of an air traveler are wonderful. I think, I just watched a wonderful travel vlog with a huge chance of winning a big, fat travel vlog award. Congratulations! Grtz from Belgium xxx
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Saying Well done Noel would be the vlog understatement of the year! Most vloggers are only venturing into what has already been done many times. Just think how many vlogs there are about the Emirates First Class product. But this video tale is unique and terribly well made as usual. Your cool, wit and quite informative tales of an air traveler are wonderful. I think, I just watched a wonderful travel vlog with a huge chance of winning a big, fat travel vlog award. Congratulations! Grtz from Belgium xxx
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kevin19358
50: 25, They have that in Sydney. Wow I didn't know they have that in Seoul. I been to Seoul before, but it's a long time ago. Next year, I am flying Asiana, Boeing 777-200ER from Honolulu to Seoul for the 1st time on the Boeing 777-200ER, I am looking forward to my trip. But I flew Asiana airlines before in August of 2016 to June of 2017 from Manila to Honolulu via Seoul return, but on the Airbus A330-300, all flights are good and okay.
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50: 25, They have that in Sydney. Wow I didn't know they have that in Seoul. I been to Seoul before, but it's a long time ago. Next year, I am flying Asiana, Boeing 777-200ER from Honolulu to Seoul for the 1st time on the Boeing 777-200ER, I am looking forward to my trip. But I flew Asiana airlines before in August of 2016 to June of 2017 from Manila to Honolulu via Seoul return, but on the Airbus A330-300, all flights are good and okay.
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noel_philips
Top man! This is incredible. Back to back and in one trip. Most people don't have that kind of endurance.
I feel your pain for China immigration. But I can tell you it's not much different travelling around China as a foreigner. That's a pain in the ass too at times.
Bayun is a nice airport and when i landed it took 3 hours going through security and being asked more questions than I care to remember.
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Top man! This is incredible. Back to back and in one trip. Most people don't have that kind of endurance.
I feel your pain for China immigration. But I can tell you it's not much different travelling around China as a foreigner. That's a pain in the ass too at times.
Bayun is a nice airport and when i landed it took 3 hours going through security and being asked more questions than I care to remember.
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donatosaponara2169
this was soooooo cool! I have a couple of new challenges for you: 1 - make use of the time zones and do as many flights possible from east to west, on one calendar day. 2 - fly around the globe using exclusively one plane type (like you could choose between the 737 Max 787, 777, A330, A350 or 321) Needless to say, unannounced plane type changes by airline would be accepted.
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this was soooooo cool! I have a couple of new challenges for you: 1 - make use of the time zones and do as many flights possible from east to west, on one calendar day. 2 - fly around the globe using exclusively one plane type (like you could choose between the 737 Max 787, 777, A330, A350 or 321) Needless to say, unannounced plane type changes by airline would be accepted.
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vareast
Joe Pedant here. Incheon is not part of Seoul (just as Narita is nowhere near Tokyo, although it used to be called New Tokyo International Airport. One idea for you: flying through lesser known airports (2nd or 3rd, etc, airports) such as Don Muang, Gimpo, John Wayne, Chofu (which is actually in Tokyo but only flies to small island airports, or any of the falsely named London airports.
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Joe Pedant here. Incheon is not part of Seoul (just as Narita is nowhere near Tokyo, although it used to be called New Tokyo International Airport. One idea for you: flying through lesser known airports (2nd or 3rd, etc, airports) such as Don Muang, Gimpo, John Wayne, Chofu (which is actually in Tokyo but only flies to small island airports, or any of the falsely named London airports.
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jonty50
Noel.
Guangzhou is pronounced Gwong-joe
Xiamen is Sha-men
Daxing is Da-Shing
And yes the customs in China are awful. The whole airport and airplane experience here is terrible. Lots of very big, shiny and very unwelcoming airports here, especially if you’re a foreign tourist or resident
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Noel.
Guangzhou is pronounced Gwong-joe
Xiamen is Sha-men
Daxing is Da-Shing
And yes the customs in China are awful. The whole airport and airplane experience here is terrible. Lots of very big, shiny and very unwelcoming airports here, especially if you’re a foreign tourist or resident
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ZombieKiller1965
Couple quick things. Holdzkern are cheap Chinese watches worth about $25. They are not a real watch company. If you want a cheap cool Chinese watch check out San Martin.
Also I stand on the moving walkways because I'm old and need to rest. You'll understand one day.
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Couple quick things. Holdzkern are cheap Chinese watches worth about $25. They are not a real watch company. If you want a cheap cool Chinese watch check out San Martin.
Also I stand on the moving walkways because I'm old and need to rest. You'll understand one day.
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paulyuricek1538
If you dress like a typical American traveler, you get treated like one. You shouldn't be surprised. You raise red flags when you don't have destinations and goals and just travel for no reason at all. They look at all this. Especially in many foreign countries.
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If you dress like a typical American traveler, you get treated like one. You shouldn't be surprised. You raise red flags when you don't have destinations and goals and just travel for no reason at all. They look at all this. Especially in many foreign countries.
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epiccheese911
Not going to lie, I didn't have high hopes for you to fly my country's national airline: MEA. It's such a shame that we were the reason you couldn't complete flying on all 18 SkyTeam members, I apologize for that. Hopefully, you'll fly with them another time soon.
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Not going to lie, I didn't have high hopes for you to fly my country's national airline: MEA. It's such a shame that we were the reason you couldn't complete flying on all 18 SkyTeam members, I apologize for that. Hopefully, you'll fly with them another time soon.
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adriancheng8991
49: 18 i think only Brits will understand what you mean, much like the W word. But i agree with you that Chinese airport security makes you take a lot of things out. They need to upgrade scanners so you don't need to (like those in Australia, HK, LHR etc)
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49: 18 i think only Brits will understand what you mean, much like the W word. But i agree with you that Chinese airport security makes you take a lot of things out. They need to upgrade scanners so you don't need to (like those in Australia, HK, LHR etc)
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Mary_3275Don
Last night me and family watched you for the first time you took greyhound bus from coast to coast we laughed so hard. I don't get paid to wait for the next bus driver or starving after you gave all food away or watching bus leave others behind mad journey
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Last night me and family watched you for the first time you took greyhound bus from coast to coast we laughed so hard. I don't get paid to wait for the next bus driver or starving after you gave all food away or watching bus leave others behind mad journey
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simonlb24
5: 18 - That Latam 787 that was parked up was running daily flights up until 1st November this year with it's last flight originating in Madrid. Seeing that covering on the engine flapping around in the wind makes it look like it's been stood there for months.
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5: 18 - That Latam 787 that was parked up was running daily flights up until 1st November this year with it's last flight originating in Madrid. Seeing that covering on the engine flapping around in the wind makes it look like it's been stood there for months.
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asiamommi
This has to be one of my favorite videos of yours. I enjoyed seeing all the different FA uniforms and you throwing back that gin rather than give it up. The dad jokes, not so much. But I'll forgive you as you must be exhausted. Some hard earned miles there!
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This has to be one of my favorite videos of yours. I enjoyed seeing all the different FA uniforms and you throwing back that gin rather than give it up. The dad jokes, not so much. But I'll forgive you as you must be exhausted. Some hard earned miles there!
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Pigglesgetsit
One can only wonder what the penalty for tossing in China could be. This is crucial information for travellers which isn’t to be found in most travel guides. I don’t know how you manage to stay sane on these sorts of trips but thanks for doing them.
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One can only wonder what the penalty for tossing in China could be. This is crucial information for travellers which isn’t to be found in most travel guides. I don’t know how you manage to stay sane on these sorts of trips but thanks for doing them.
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-m9n
Great video! But as a native Mandarin speaker, the pronunciation of Xiamen was just so bad. Pronouncing the X as Sh will be way better and easier for English speakers. (The actual sound for Mandarin X does not exist in English but I found Sh the most similar)
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Great video! But as a native Mandarin speaker, the pronunciation of Xiamen was just so bad. Pronouncing the X as Sh will be way better and easier for English speakers. (The actual sound for Mandarin X does not exist in English but I found Sh the most similar)
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