Good to Go

Well, it took more than four months to line this project up, but the last ticket confirmation from Qatar Airways came in last night. This means my around the world adventure begins on Friday, when I will be reporting on the economy class service of four of the world's 5-star airlines for Airways magazine.

Since I need to get to Los Angeles to connect with Malaysia Airlines, my first flight will actually be on Alaska Airlines, which has a 3-star rating; a category that most of the world's airlines fall in. In fact, only three U.S. airlines are rated higher.

The Route

Alaska Airlines 708
Depart: Vancouver 1958
Arrive: Los Angeles 2303
Equipment: Boeing 737-400
Flying Time: 3hrs

Malaysia Airlines 95
Depart: Los Angeles 0140
Arrive: Kuala Lumpur 1215+1
Equipment: Boeing 747-400
Flying Time: 19hrs 30min
(stop in Taipei for petrol)

2 nights in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia Airlines 611
Depart: Kuala Lumpur 0920
Arrive: Singapore 1025
Equipment: Boeing 737-400
Flying Time: 55min

1 night in Singapore

Singapore Airlines 494
Depart: Singapore 1650
Arrive: Dubai 2005
Equipment: Boeing 777-300
Flying Time: 7hrs 15min

2 nights in Dubai

Qatar Airways 101
Depart: Dubai 1130
Arrive: Doha 1130
Equipment: Airbus 330-300
Flying Time: 1hr

2 nights in Doha

Qatar Airways 83
Depart: Doha 0825
Arrive: New York (Newark) 1835
Equipment: Airbus 330-300
Flying Time: 17hrs
(stop in Geneva for petrol)

Cathay Pacific Airways 889
Depart: New York (JFK) 2300
Arrive: Vancouver 0140+1
Equipment: Boeing 747-400
Flying Time: 5hrs 40min