A long-planned trip to Taipei and Hong Kong is now confirmed, with flights and some hotels secured. The trip, intended as a return to frequent Asian travel after years of focusing on domestic commitments, will leverage points and miles for premium cabin experiences. The author intends to revisit Taipei for the first time in a decade, and bring their partner to Hong Kong for their first visit in nearly as long.
Flights: Maximizing Points and First Impressions
The outbound journey will begin with American Airlines’ new A321XLR business class from New York to Los Angeles, booked using 35,000 Alaska Atmos Rewards points. This detour exists primarily to experience the new aircraft, though it adds an extra hop to the itinerary. From Los Angeles, the route continues on China Airlines to Taipei, secured with 72,500 Flying Blue miles (redeemed at an effective rate of 58,000 due to a transfer bonus). The schedule for this leg is notably convenient, departing at 4 PM and arriving at 10 PM the following day.
Between Taipei and Hong Kong, a short Cathay Pacific flight in regional business class has been booked with 16,000 Cathay miles. The return portion remains unbooked, with the author anticipating award availability to open closer to departure.
Hotels: Luxury First, Options Second
Taipei accommodations are set at the newly-opened Capella Taipei, considered the city’s premier hotel. The author notes this represents an excellent value compared to similar luxury properties in North America and Europe. In Hong Kong, the first two nights will be spent at the Rosewood Hong Kong, recently ranked among the world’s best hotels. Additional one-night stays at several high-end properties are under consideration, including the Upper House, Ritz-Carlton, Regent, Peninsula, and Four Seasons. The author is soliciting feedback on which hotels to prioritize, given the flexibility afforded by Amex Platinum hotel credits.
Beyond the Core Cities
The author is also open to extending the trip beyond Taipei and Hong Kong, potentially to Jakarta for a series of luxury hotel stays, or to Japan for further exploration. Alternative options include flights on Thai Airways, Aeromexico, or Swiss, though these would require additional routing. The author’s partner will return home from Hong Kong, while they may extend the trip for several days, leveraging award availability in United Polaris business class.
This trip highlights a common pattern in luxury travel: the strategic use of points and miles to access premium experiences, combined with a willingness to adjust plans based on availability and personal preferences. The open-ended nature of the itinerary demonstrates a flexible approach to maximizing value and enjoyment.
