After I got quiet about long-distance travel due to the pandemic, I had a lot planned for 2022 – one of the highlights was a very special surprise trip, which was more than a success!
As the saying goes: a joy shared is a joy doubled. Exactly according to this motto I wanted to give my 13-year-old niece a very special experience. After a visit to me and the reisetopia office was already planned, I thought about what else we could do. One thing came at just the right time: Flying Blue’s Promo Awards in January this year. Since my niece has never traveled long-haul, I took the opportunity and planned a one-off trip to New York for her and me – without informing her of course!
Air France Business Class & moments of surprise
The highlight was the outward flight, because my niece only found out that we were going to the airport the night before. Arrived at around 4 a.m., she still had no idea what to expect. Of course, after my sister and I had prepared all the necessary travel documents, we went to check-in, where I had to make sure that Emilia would not find out about her surprise. However, when she checked in with Air France, she quickly realized where she was going: To Paris, because I had promised her for a long time that we would fly to France because of her French lessons at school. At the time, however, it was far from clear that things would go further.
I had booked for only 37,500 Air France Flying Blue miles per person – I had transferred almost 47,000 Membership Rewards points from my American Express Platinum Card for two business class tickets from Berlin via Paris to New York. A similar amount was due for the return flight, with taxes and fees of around 250 euros per direction to be taken into account. Despite the miles, the trip was not entirely free, although it was definitely worth it for the experience.
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Moritz Lindner
A must-have for any frequent traveler thanks to worldwide lounge access, ideal insurance and more
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After a visit to the Tempelhof Lounge at BER – after all, my niece already knew lounges from a trip to Egypt together – she went to Business Class for the first time (of course she didn’t know anything about that either). Now that doesn’t make a big difference on short-haul routes, but she was still enthusiastic about the additional space and the special meal in the Airbus A320.
Since I usually always work, Emilia was not surprised that after a short walk through passport control (because of Corona ;)) at Paris airport I wanted to go to the lounge for another hour to work a little. But she had judged the way out differently than I did, but she followed me dutifully to the New York Gate, where I let her in on the plans – as you can imagine, she didn’t want to believe the surprise until we really did sat on the plane!
This experience was to be a very special one, because not only was it the first time for my niece to be on a long-distance journey, she was also able to look forward to a great seat that can be adjusted into a completely flat bed. We were traveling in a Boeing 777-300ER with so-called reverse herringbone seats, so the privacy and comfort was really enormous. My niece couldn’t really believe it, so she was all the more enthusiastic about the six hours on board. The trip was definitely worth it for that alone – more details can of course be found in the review!
Conrad & Mandarin Oriental in New York
Since I didn’t just want the flight to be the highlight of the trip, I also had to take a close look at some great hotels in New York. It all started with the Conrad New York Midtown, where I booked a one bedroom suite and received a double upgrade to a similarly sized suite with a view of Central Park – the location on the 45th floor could hardly have been more fascinating . I found the hotel itself quite pleasant, but I wasn’t really thrilled – especially when you consider that the price was well over 1,000 euros despite the third night being free.
However, it should get even better, because for one night we also went to the unique Mandarin Oriental New York, which is located directly on Central Park. Here I was able to benefit from a special rate of around 400 euros and also received an incredible upgrade: A Central Park View Suite with more than 70 square meters, which is almost unbelievable in New York. Especially the view knew how to inspire here, which is why the experience was a real highlight.
Curiously, the third and last hotel of my trip was not only supposed to be the cheapest, but also the one I liked best. For about 350 euros I booked my last night at the Conrad New York Downtown, where I was upgraded to a corner suite with a view of the Hudson. I really liked the modern design and the general vibe of the hotel, so I would recommend it unless it has to be midtown!
Otherwise, of course, I am also looking forward to presenting you with impressions of the various lounges that I was able to get to know on my trip. Of course, I am also available for questions about New York in the comments, although I will not use a city guide because I have already been to the city a few times. But it must be emphasized that the weather was really crazy – on the first day it was below zero, but bright sunshine. Three days later the temperature was 20 degrees, but the sun was gone. March is undoubtedly an interesting month to visit 😉
Summary of my surprise trip to New York
Right from the start of reisetopia, my motive was to enable others to experience extraordinary trips thanks to miles & points. I was all the more enthusiastic about giving my niece a very special surprise and not only taking her to New York, but also presenting her with unusual hotels and even flying in business class at the same time. I can recommend something similar to anyone who is in a similar situation – you definitely won’t forget such a trip so quickly 😉
All reviews at a glance:
- Review: Tempelhof Lounge BER (already online)
- Review: Air France Business Class Short Haul (7 August)
- Review: Air France Lounge Paris CDG 2E Halle K (10. August)
- Review: Air France Business Class Boeing 777-300ER (13. August)
- Review: Conrad New York Midtown (16. August)
- Review: Mandarin Oriental New York (19. August)
- Review: Conrad New York Downtown (22. August)
- Review: Air France Lounge New York JFK (25. August)
- Review: Air France Lounge Paris CDG 2F (28. August)
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