Regent Custom Air-Not

[RetiredandTravel]

6 hours ago, Lonedaddy said:

LHR is horrible!  Even flying in BA first class, barely made a 3 hr connection time to Munich.  

 

 

I find this to be very surprising.  You were on BA for the entire route or did you change terminals?  I used to fly BA a ton and found the First class service to be extremely accommodating, we were fogged in Paris and the plane actually waited 45 minutes for us in LHR.  My last trip on BA a couple years back was quite disappointing maybe the service has deteriorated.

 

We always make our own flight arraignments,  if you read the post Covid trip reports there there is a big advantage to using the cruise air.  If they change the itinerary like ending port they have to get you home, a real problem if you make your own flights.

[GOARMY]

Trying to put previous Posts on this Thread into perspective, while that perspective remains in flux due to constantly changing cruise itinerary changes, becomes somewhat of a 'wak a mole exercise.  Latest example(s):  Changes in March and April 2022 itineraries involving travel to Brazil-Amazon River.   

 

Within this context, the following is based on history with Radisson/Regent going back many years.  Thus, we have the luxury of flexibility in making one air component Deviation--when Regent's "air office" is utilized to either get us from--or back from--a cruise segment or two involving extended foreign itineraries--without incurring any additional cost.

 

Can only amplify earlier comments as to retaining primary responsibility for doing homework BEFORE enlisting one's TA and/or a Regent Air rep.  This has become quite an exercise due to a maddening habit of airlines' proclivity to cancel, or severely alter flight schedules--on a weekly basis.  If one assumes responsibility for one or ALL flight segments involved in an over-the-water (Atlantic or Pacific) routing, then PLAN WAY ahead. 

 

Like, planning to arrive no-less than a day ahead at the departure city.  Based on experience (pre-COVID), we usually arrived two days ahead.  FF miles were utilized on many occasions.  Took the air credit; and figured out how to get from SEATAC to departure city.  Always at Concierge level.  Two days early?  No problem in arranging that initial night at Regent's designated hotel. 

 

The current environment (which could change next week) makes such a Plan problematical due to COVID-related testing at point of departure just to get on a plane; point of arrival in a particular country; and, of course, navigating any required COVID testing procedure at the Pier prior to boarding. 

 

Will offer one fairly-recent example:  Last October-November's segment on Explorer from Barcelona to Miami.  We booked this cruise (having three earlier ones canceled due to COVID) in late 2020.  Out of an abundance of caution, utilized Regent Air for both aspects.  Lufthansa from SEATAC via-----and here it got complicated----either Heathrow or Frankfort; before the last leg to Barcelona.  Or, how about British Air?  SEATAC to Heathrow; then a hop on another BA to Barcelona.  

 

All segments at Business Class (or, the European equivalent for the final short segment to Barcelona).

 

Our TA worked with Regent to arrange the initial itinerary.  IT CHANGED THREE TIMES, the latest of which was only one week before our departure.  First, it was Lufthansa; then it was British Air to get us out of SEATAC.  This was due to both airlines constantly changing times and availability of an  intermediate flight to finally land us at Barcelona.  Basic problem--which has been mentioned in earlier postings--was how much time we would have at that intermediate airport to make the Barcelona connection.  Flights appeared--then disappeared.  Sorry:  having only 70 minutes for the transition was a no-go.  

 

What a drill.  Our TA and the Regent Air rep. kept in constant contact as the landscape changed.  We finally "landed" back on Lufthansa--via Frankfort, then on to Barcelona.  Had sufficient lay-over time at Frankfort to spend a little quality time in a very-nice Lufthansa Lounge.  

 

Again, the above is anecdotal, not dispositive.  So, take it for what it has cost you to review.  

 

GOARMY!

 

 

 

 

 

    

[mrstanley]

GOARMY:

 

We have a flight this July from

Atlanta …Frankfort… Copenhagen 

Lufthansa airlines 

 

First time changing planes in Frankfort airport.

 

We have a 3 hour layover…. Hopefully plenty of time?

[Lonedaddy]

15 hours ago, RetiredandTravel said:

 

 

I find this to be very surprising.  You were on BA for the entire route or did you change terminals?  I used to fly BA a ton and found the First class service to be extremely accommodating, we were fogged in Paris and the plane actually waited 45 minutes for us in LHR.  My last trip on BA a couple years back was quite disappointing maybe the service has deteriorated.

 

We always make our own flight arraignments,  if you read the post Covid trip reports there there is a big advantage to using the cruise air.  If they change the itinerary like ending port they have to get you home, a real problem if you make your own flights.

We were on BA the entire route.  We had to be bussed to the terminal from the plane IDK why.  There was no escort, we went through customs had a very long walk and had to go through an extremely long security line even though we were just transiting to another EU country (at the time) No real priority line or TSA pre type service.  We didn't have all out liquids in bags because we are global entry TSA pre in the states.  It took a very long time - I would have thought BA might have a special line for first class but they didn't.   Hence, I will avoid a connection at LHR if at all possible.    

[pnsnkr]

52 minutes ago, mrstanley said:

GOARMY:

 

We have a flight this July from

Atlanta …Frankfort… Copenhagen 

Lufthansa airlines 

 

First time changing planes in Frankfort airport.

 

We have a 3 hour layover…. Hopefully plenty of time?

3hrs is plenty of time to connect in FRA even after accounting for long walks, security checks, passport control and the typical bus ride to a remote stall.

 

Unless they changed recently, all Lufthansa operations are in terminal 1, from one of the three piers - A, B, C.

 

If you get lucky, then you arrive in A and depart from A.  Transit between A and B involves a long walk through a tunnel.  But, the directions are clearly posted to help passengers navigate the maze.  You'll have no problems so long as you follow the directions to the tee.

 

 

[mrstanley]

I personally think Amsterdam is the easiest to make a connecting flight.

No terminal change… just a long walk.

Have changed planes there 3 times with no issues.Easy!

[RetiredandTravel]

2 hours ago, Lonedaddy said:

We were on BA the entire route.  We had to be bussed to the terminal from the plane IDK why.  There was no escort, we went through customs had a very long walk and had to go through an extremely long security line even though we were just transiting to another EU country (at the time) No real priority line or TSA pre type service.  We didn't have all out liquids in bags because we are global entry TSA pre in the states.  It took a very long time - I would have thought BA might have a special line for first class but they didn't.   Hence, I will avoid a connection at LHR if at all possible.    

 

BA First Class always had facilitators, is nothing sacred.

 

We have a 2 1/2 hour connection (biz class BER>CDG>ATL) on Air France in CDG over the summer I'm a little concerned about.  The last time I took Air France in CDG I was returning from a several day biz trip to Saudi Arabia (DRY!!), flew Saudia (also DRY!!) to CDG.  The AF biz class lounge bar opened at 8AM in CDG and I promptly chugged 3 Heinekens.    I fell a sleep on the flight to JFK, the stewardess literally had to shake me to wake up for lunch.

 

Anyone have any recent CDG Air France experiences?

 

 

[Portolan]

3 hours ago, mrstanley said:

GOARMY:

 

We have a flight this July from

Atlanta …Frankfort… Copenhagen 

Lufthansa airlines 

 

First time changing planes in Frankfort airport.

 

We have a 3 hour layover…. Hopefully plenty of time?

Like everything these days, our pre-COVID experience would say no problem with 3 hours at Frankfurt.  You'll clear EU customs/immigration there.  Frankfurt is very big and you'll get a fair bit of exercise walking between gates, but the signs are very good...just read and follow them and you'll arrive.  Assuming that you are traveling in business class, look for separate lines at passport control for premium class passengers.  Lufthansa has lounges all over the airport and, with business class, you'll have access to one near your departure gate if time permits.

[GOARMY]

mrstanley:

 

I strive to return correspondence, even if tardy.  As others have posted in the interim--three hours is more than sufficient. 

 

Going through the Security/Passport check procedure upon arrival at Frankfort was facilitated by "Facilitators" who were available immediately after we entered the Terminal area. A very-kind gentleman answered my question; and guided us to the proper staircase. 

 

Not much more to add, other than our connecting Gate for the Barcelona flight was in the same Terminal--as was the nice Lounge. Oh, yes:  we did have to present documentation as to our vaccination status--and passing the PCR test--before being allowed into that Lounge.  

 

GOARMY!

  

[UUNetBill]

4 hours ago, mrstanley said:

GOARMY:

 

We have a flight this July from

Atlanta …Frankfort… Copenhagen 

Lufthansa airlines 

 

First time changing planes in Frankfort airport.

 

We have a 3 hour layover…. Hopefully plenty of time?

I used to live in Frankfurt.  Flew in and out many, many times...but have only connected through there maybe a dozen times and it's always hit or miss - usually miss.  Three hours should be adequate under normal circumstances, but who's to say what's 'normal' these days?

 

If you're in and out on Lufthansa you should be okay.  Should be.

[golfguyhhi]

Bill and Army,

 

Lufthansa ticketed me arriving from IAD biz-class at 8:10 AM, and departing Lufthansa biz-class to BCN at 9:50AM.  Am I understanding from your comments that this is a little too close?  It's a Monday morning, if that makes any difference.

[PhD-iva]

23 hours ago, GOARMY said:

mrstanley:

 

A very-kind gentleman answered my question; and guided us to the proper staircase. 

  

I transited through Frankfurt (probably 2018) and I was really surprised at the outdated infrastructure. Most planes park far away out on the tarmac and passengers are bussed to the terminal (pray there’s no rain!). Therefore, you are walking down the plane’s stairs to the tarmac, carrying your own luggage, and then lift your bags up onto the bus. As I was traveling with only carry-on luggage, both bags were quite heavy. I’m very surprised I made it down the stairs without falling and taking down multiple passengers ahead of me on the stairs.
Then, inside the terminal, perhaps I just missed the elevator, but I had to carry my heavy luggage up a flight of stairs. 
I was not impressed with the Frankfurt airport.

Edited February 19, 2022 by PhD-iva
Edit

[GOARMY]

A more "timely" response, this time to recent postings:  

 

Yes--we did have to walk down stairs to a shuttle bus upon arrival at Frankfort Airport.  Were in the first group to deplane--to the first bus in a line of several. 

 

Of note:  our particular Lufthansa Red Eye flight from SEATAC was only about 65-70% full. This applied to both Business and Coach classes.  Did my normal walk-about routine several times throughout the Cabin to keep the legs lubricated.  Noted several rows with 3-abreast seating were occupied by one passenger--stretched-out and sleeping .   As foreign travel via air continues to open up, should expect occupancy levels to increase.

 

golfguyhhi:  For what it is worth--again:  Our flight arrived 20 minutes early.  That gave us a bit-more breathing room on the ground.  Your timeline is right on the edge of acceptability.   

 

GOARMY!

 

[pnsnkr]

1 hour ago, golfguyhhi said:

Bill and Army,

 

Lufthansa ticketed me arriving from IAD biz-class at 8:10 AM, and departing Lufthansa biz-class to BCN at 9:50AM.  Am I understanding from your comments that this is a little too close?  It's a Monday morning, if that makes any difference.

 

If you have UA MileagePlus miles and if the ticket is in C or D fare class, you can apply for LH upgrade to First for 40K miles/pp through United.  LH usually opens up award seats in F close to departure.  

 

 

Edited February 19, 2022 by pnsnkr

[edgee]

On 2/18/2022 at 9:03 AM, mrstanley said:

GOARMY:

 

We have a flight this July from

Atlanta …Frankfort… Copenhagen 

Lufthansa airlines 

 

First time changing planes in Frankfort airport.

 

We have a 3 hour layover…. Hopefully plenty of time?

Yes. Anything over two hours is safe, but having the third hour adds comfort IMHO.

Edited February 20, 2022 by edgee
Spelling

[papaflamingo]

On 2/17/2022 at 4:43 PM, Lonedaddy said:

It could be very simple put in your request point a to point b or any stopovers and the systems gives you the added cost.  There might be some complex ones that require an agent. Say you go from dallas to venice.    Route 1 american via PHL  and the flights (included) route 2 delta via ATL  (included) route 3 KLM (+$250) via AMS   route 4 Iberia via MAD (+$300)..... 

If you don't deviate you get assigned flights about 70 days out. If you deviate you can get your flights 270 days out when there are significantly more options.  We always deviate and always will just for that reason.  You don't need a portal or a list of a bunch of options. Simply pick your city pairs, go up on the airline of your request (we live in Atlanta so want Delta), call Regent, tell them your first choice, if that's not available, they will tell you what is.  You can look at the schedule while talking and decide what you want to do. In just a few minutes you're booked and have seat assignments. No need for portals or long lists in my opinion. 

[Lonedaddy]

What is the advantage of regent air vs say a business class consolidator besides the airport transfers.  I got a quote from a BCC for 5255 RT from dallas to auckland and return from bali to dallas with a 3 night layover in singapore all BC.  Air new zealand and singapore airlines.  That is significantly under the 7000 air credit.      Has anyone used these consolidators before?  Any issues?

Edited February 27, 2022 by Lonedaddy

[Portolan]

14 minutes ago, Lonedaddy said:

What is the advantage of regent air vs say a business class consolidator besides the airport transfers.  I got a quote from a BCC for 5255 RT from dallas to auckland and return from bali to dallas with a 3 night layover in singapore all BC.  Air new zealand and singapore airlines.  That is significantly under the 7000 air credit.      Has anyone used these consolidators before?  Any issues?

Presumably you have to pay the consolidator when you make the reservation.  You don't pay Regent until the final payment...you can drop the air before then.  Of course, air fares tend to rise the closer to the flight so if you wait to book with a consolidator, the deal may be less good.  Also, if Regent cancels the cruise, you won't end up with airline credits for the unused flight (which could be on an airline you don't typically fly on).  Consolidator tickets may be even more non-refundable or creditable.  Read the fine print carefully.

 

With the times still uncertain, we use Regent air when their cost (as determined by the air credit) is reasonable (which, for example, it seems often to be for Europe).  If it isn't (like an Asian cruise we have next year with a $5500/pp air credit, we use miles to book an award ticket.  No risk with the award tickets as they can be cancelled with little or no fee right up to the flight date.

[golfgirls]

I just finished working with Regent Air to confirm flights for our Spice Route cruise in October.  I did lots of research ahead of time and in between my two calls with two different agents.   The return from Auckland was relatively easy but flying from Orlando to Istanbul proved to be a challenge in terms of ensuring adequate times between flights, seats, carriers. Etc.   Thankfully the Regent Air folks were patient and we persevered to find a route that gave me hopefully stress free connections and were within the Regent ‘contract’.   A nice outcome but it was certainly some work by all three of us.  Kudos to Mikey and Carmen for their help! 

[Lonedaddy]

1 hour ago, golfgirls said:

I just finished working with Regent Air to confirm flights for our Spice Route cruise in October.  I did lots of research ahead of time and in between my two calls with two different agents.   The return from Auckland was relatively easy but flying from Orlando to Istanbul proved to be a challenge in terms of ensuring adequate times between flights, seats, carriers. Etc.   Thankfully the Regent Air folks were patient and we persevered to find a route that gave me hopefully stress free connections and were within the Regent ‘contract’.   A nice outcome but it was certainly some work by all three of us.  Kudos to Mikey and Carmen for their help! 

how were you routed from auckland?

[golfgirls]

United to San Francisco and San Fran to Orlando.  

[Lonedaddy]

15 hours ago, golfgirls said:

United to San Francisco and San Fran to Orlando.  

that isn't bad at all - was worried they might fly you through fiji or tahiti

 

did they book you 1st class from SFO to MCO

Edited March 1, 2022 by Lonedaddy

[golfgirls]

Yes they did🙂.  I think that is the norm when combined with a biz class transatlantic, at least in our experience, though not guaranteed.  

[pnsnkr]

Check the fare class that will be ticketed and if it earns miles.  You may also not get the full protections of IRROPS or credit back to your UA account for future booking in case you need to cancel.  A few things to check for to fully understand your risks.

 

 

[amusea]

We are also on the full Spice Route cruise Istanbul to Auckland.  I was told by Regent Custom Air that we couldn't book our return air from Auckland until the middle of April - 270 days out.  You seem to have been able to book it earlier - true??   We our using FF miles to book our flight to Istanbul since we want to arrive about 3 days early and we have enough miles for two persons in business class.  

 

Jay in Tucson