Hey {{first name | reader}},

Happy Monday!

Today we have two very fun topics. Dan's newest video is out, and this one is for the aviation nerds. He flies the COMAC C919, the first Chinese-made commercial passenger jet, and takes a look at what it is actually like as a passenger. Then we have Singapore Airlines' latest Spontaneous Escapes, with up to 30% off select KrisFlyer Saver awards for September travel.

Here's what's inside today's post:

Dan's newest video is all about the COMAC C919, China's attempt to build a serious competitor to the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families.

For decades, Airbus and Boeing have dominated this part of the market. If you are flying a normal short or medium-haul route, you are almost certainly on an A320-family aircraft or a 737-family aircraft. China wants to change that.

In the video, Dan flies the C919 with China Southern from Guangzhou to Wuhan, and what I found most interesting is that the experience does not look radically different from what most passengers already know. And that is kind of the point. Most passengers would probably not board this aircraft and immediately think "wait, this is not an Airbus or a Boeing."

But there are some differences.

Dan mentions the surprisingly high ceiling, which makes the cabin feel more spacious than you might expect. The fuselage is also wider than both the 737 and the A320, and COMAC uses that extra width to make the middle seats wider than the aisle and window seats.

I found that very interesting. A weird design choice, but I kind of love the thinking behind it. If someone has to sit in the middle, at least give them a little extra room.

There are downsides too. The overhead bins look small compared to newer Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and the legroom felt tight. But apparently the bathroom is excellent, which is not something you hear often in aircraft reviews.

The bigger story though is what the C919 represents beyond the passenger experience.

The aircraft is Chinese-built, but it still relies on many Western components, including the engines. That makes it fascinating both commercially and politically. China wants more independence from Airbus and Boeing, but building a truly independent aircraft program is a very long road.

The C919 is only certified to operate in China to this date, and is not expected there anytime soon. For now, this is mostly a China and Asia story. But it is one of the most interesting new aircraft developments in years, and I love that Dan went out of his way to fly it.

Singapore Airlines has released its latest KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes, offering 30% off select Saver award redemptions.

The booking window is short: you need to book between August 14 and August 31, 2026, for travel between September 1 and September 30, 2026. Seats are limited, blackout dates apply, and these go on a first-come first-served basis.

Spontaneous Escapes are most useful when your schedule is flexible. They are not ideal if you need very specific dates, but if you can move quickly, the pricing can be good.

For flights of this distance, 30,800 miles may be a very reasonable price, especially when cash fares on these routes can get expensive.

Premium economy is not business class, but on ultra-long-haul routes it can make a real difference. More space, a wider seat, better recline, and a more comfortable overall experience matter a lot when you are flying across the world for 17 hours.

If you already have KrisFlyer miles sitting in your account and September travel works for you, this is a good opportunity to stretch them further.

That's it for today. More deals, news, and trip ideas coming your way on Wednesday.

Catch you in the clouds,

Tomi from Points Master

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