Hey {{first name | reader}},
Happy Saturday from Seoul!
It has been a week since my last newsletter, and quite a lot has happened since then. After spending several days exploring Japan, I have finally arrived in South Korea, the last stop of my Asia trip.
It is a little bittersweet knowing this journey is almost over. Next week I will be heading home, but there is one more flight I am particularly excited about: Qatar Airways Qsuite. I have been looking forward to flying it again, and I think it will be a great way to finish the trip.
Before that, I wanted to share an Alaska points promotion and give you a first look at a business class experience I recently had in China.
Here's what's inside today's post:
Alaska Atmos Rewards: up to 90% bonus on purchased points
My first impressions of Shanghai Airlines' Boeing 787-9 business class
The final days of my Asia trip
Alaska Atmos Rewards: up to 90% bonus on purchased points
Offer: Up to 90% bonus, with some accounts targeted for 100% or 110%
Price: $19.80 per 1,000 points at the 90% bonus, including taxes
Deadline: November 7, 2026
Alaska's Atmos Rewards is offering another promotion on purchased points. The offer is targeted, so depending on your account you may see a different bonus. Check yours before deciding.
Alaska points are among the more expensive airline currencies to buy, even during promotions. But as I have mentioned many times, Alaska has some very interesting redemption opportunities through its partners. You can redeem on airlines like Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways, potentially unlocking excellent business class and first class flights.
My favorite feature, though, is the stopover policy. On eligible international award tickets, Alaska allows a stopover, generally up to 14 days, without spending additional points. You could fly Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong, spend a few days exploring, and continue to another destination on the same award. That is effectively two destinations on one ticket, which I absolutely love.
Availability and routing restrictions apply, but that flexibility is what makes the program so attractive.
My first impressions of niche Shanghai Airlines' Boeing 787-9 business class
Shanghai Airlines 787-9
During my time in China I flew Shanghai Airlines' Boeing 787-9 business class, which has fully enclosed suites with sliding doors. The experience was quite interesting.
Check-in was incredibly smooth, with no queue at the dedicated premium counter, and security was quick thanks to priority access. One thing that surprised me was how little communication I received before the flight: no reminder emails or anything similar. I asked a Chinese friend about it, who assured me this is fairly normal.
The lounge was not particularly impressive. It felt dated, especially compared to the modern, spacious terminal outside. I had some noodles, which were good, but the food selection was limited, particularly for Western options.
The aircraft was a completely different story.
Shanghai Airlines 787-9 business class suite
Boarding was quick, and the enclosed suites immediately caught my attention. The privacy is excellent. Even with the door open you can barely see your neighbors, and with it closed, you are almost completely isolated.
There is more to share about seat comfort, dining, and service, but I will save that for the full review. For now, I will say Shanghai Airlines surprised me with how private its business class cabin feels.
Was it worth it on a 2-hour flight?
In my case, yes. I always like spending less time in the airport and not stressing about baggage allowance or long lines, and business class makes that much easier.
I booked this flight in cash for $300. I could also have booked it with Flying Blue miles, but buying the miles would have cost about the same as the cash fare, so it did not make sense to use points here. Another reminder to always compare.
The final days of my Asia trip
With Seoul as my last destination, I am starting to look back at everything I have experienced over the past few weeks. From Hong Kong and mainland China to Japan and now South Korea, I have stayed at some extraordinary hotels and flown several interesting airlines.
There are plenty of reviews and stories coming your way, including my upcoming Qatar Airways Qsuite flight home. But for now, I am going to enjoy my final days in Seoul.
Catch you in the clouds,
Tomi from Points Master
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