While there’s been many posts about what I want to try in 2016, I’ve never actually gone down and written about what I’m actually going to bring to the blog in 2016. Every year, I seek new products to review, but with our 4-person family and economic limitations and our mileage accounts with ~1,000 miles each, it’s kind of harder to try every aspirational product out there.
Last year I reviewed eight types of what I consider to be “new” products, which were Thai’s A330 business class, Korean Air’s A330 business class, Korean Air’s 747 business class, two types of China Eastern 737 economy class, Cathay Pacific’s 777-300ER business class, Dragonair’s A321 economy class and Yangon Airways’ ATR 72 product.
Dragonair Airbus A321 Economy Class
This year, I have one more than I did last year, which makes nine. Seventeen products in two years aren’t bad for a fifteen-year-old, right?
I decided you guys might want a rundown on what’s happening at Young Travelers of Hong Kong this year. Jason and Nat are booking closer out in advance, including Jason’s relocation to the US this year, and I’m sure they have equally interesting things to bring to us.
So, here’s the rundown:
1. Thai Airways A330 new economy class
While I’ve already reviewed this, I was excited prior to getting onboard the aircraft. I know what happens in front on Thai’s A330, so especially with the seating disparity on every aircraft I was excited to see what was happening down the back. It didn’t hurt that I was on one of their newest aircraft, either.
Thai Airways Airbus A330-300 Economy Class
2. Thai Airways A330 old economy class
I completely lucked out with one of their older fleet back, which I actually like so I can get different reviews. While the seat itself doesn’t compare to the new one, at least I got two of them to myself, which really didn’t work in favour to packing up all my stuff before I deplaned.
Thai Airways Airbus A330-300 Economy Class
3. Korean Air 777-200ER business class
While I’ve flown Korean Air twice, it’ll be exciting to see how my ~25 hours in the seat will weigh up. Last time I flew Korean Air, the hard product was fine and the soft product was amazing, so I want to see if that was a fluke or the norm.
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Korean Air Airbus A330-300 Business Class (same as what I’ll be getting)
4. Korean Air 747-8 Business Class
Not only am I excited to cross a new aircraft off the list, the new staggered “suites” that Korean Air has look like they’re top-of-the-class as well. Even from the PR photos, padding looks like it could be better, so having flown the “past” business class “seat of the future”, Cathay Pacific’s 777-300ER business class, I’m excited to compare between the seats.
Korean Air Boeing 747-8 Business Class
5. Cathay Pacific A330 economy class
I have a weekend in Kuala Lumpur for a competition, and will be sampling Cathay Pacific’s A330 economy for the first time. While I’ve flown Dragonair economy and Cathay Pacific premium economy on the A330, it’ll be interesting to see how Cathay Pacific’s A330 economy weighs up.
Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Economy Class
I’ll be flying back on the A340, also in economy, though I’ve tried that before on a much longer flight thus it won’t be all that new to me.
Cathay Pacific Airbus A340-300 Economy Class
6. Cathay Pacific A330 business class
When going to Osaka, I’m excited to “round off the Cathay Pacific A330” in business class. I’m not sure how different the A330 would be from the 777, but I’m excited to spend more time in the seat nonetheless.
Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 Business Class
I’m flying back on the 777, though I’ve flown it on a much longer flight.
7. Virgin Atlantic 787 economy class
After a three month gap, I’ll be flying to London for a summer camp. I’m flying with my friend Chareese in economy, which is cool since Virgin Atlantic’s economy looks really sleek. I’m currently very impressed with Virgin’s customer service, and am looking forward to my flight.
Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 Economy Class
8. Virgin Atlantic 787 premium economy
I got a really nice fare for a mixed-cabin itinerary, so will be flying alone in premium economy. I’m excited about that, as I can’t imagine liking a herringbone seat in business class anymore, and Nat’s flown premium economy and really liked it, so I’m excited.
Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787-9 Premium Economy Class
9. Swiss 777-300ER business class
Swiss hasn’t even released their first 777-300ER into commercial service, so I’m excited to be on one of their first routes. While I had other choices, it was nice to get a direct flight with an interesting product – and I’ll be flying three longhauls back-to-back anyway, so I’m actually pretty happy with the products I’m reviewing.
Swiss Boeing 777-300ER Business Class
Are you happy with what I’m reviewing this year? Which product are you most excited to hear about?