Triangle Trip

It took about a week … but Delta finally responded with their own Elite Qualifying Miles offer (actually it’s Medallion Qualifying Miles aka: MQM). Delta has up the ante by offering TRIPLE MQM miles for flights between March 23, 2009 to June 15, 2009. Here’s the link for you to register if you’re interested.

HOWEVER, we believe this is a huge ghetto Delta scam. The Triple MQM announcement is a pubic relations play in response to UA, AA and Continental’s offers. Upon reviewing Delta’s ticket prices and fare class restrictions (see below), you will not qualify for double MQM unless you are willing to pay for an above average priced ticket. To get the triple MQM, you will need to pay an arm and a leg.

As a frequently flier between JFK/LAX myself, Delta’s round trip JFK/LAX flights are usually $280 which are L, U, and T classes. For the H, Q, K class bookings, you are looking at $400 to $500 for the round trip JFK/LAX ticket. I did not even bother looking at the other classes as they are last minute purchases or same day prices which can run $800+.

Furthermore, the fine print on the Delta offer states that you will not get your triple MQM bonus miles until 8 weeks after the promotion ends – so roughly mid-August.

In summary, Delta is making you pay for the MQM/Elite status. I am sure Delta will see a backlash from the public after this promotion ends. There will be many people out there who hasn’t read the fine print or the chart and believe they have earned status come August only to find they are only 1/3 of the way there.

Guess this offer is Delta’s way of saying: “caveat emptor” or “we found another way to scam you.”

Check out my previous posts for links to UA, AA and Continental’s offers. Continental by far is the most transparent and generous offer.

Everyone’s offering Elite Qualifying Miles… (Part 1)

Everyone’s offering Elite Qualifying Miles… (Part 2)

Most hotels charge $10 to $15 per night for Internet service. Furthermore, the Internet connections at hotels are spotty – especially wireless connections. Companies and consulting firms generally reimburse their employees for in-room Internet access because it is work related or expects the employee to be doing something billable when they are in their hotel rooms.

If you are frequent traveler staying at hotels and accessing the Internet for at least 5 nights a month, you have enough budget to get a mobile broadband card from Sprint or Verizon for the same price ($50 a month). The mobile broadband cards from Sprint and Verizon offer faster service and allow you to access the Web or your corporate network when your clients doesn’t allow you on their network. Additionally, you can access the Web and your corporate network while you’re idle at the airport or at a Starbucks. A full day Wifi pass at an airport or Starbucks is around $10.

So internal finance team or auditors, you need to wake up and smell the coffee. Let your consultants and employees charge in the $50 a month for a mobile broadband card because it actually saves your company and clients money. Five Internet access at a hotel, Starbucks, airport or any where for paid wifi will pay for the mobile broadband card monthly fee (of $50). Clients should also realize they are paying their consultants less when they reimburse for mobile broadband cards vs paying for the nightly Internet charges. I have used this business case at my prior employer and was able to get this through the corporate bureaucracy. I urge our readers to try the same. FYI, I own a Sprint card for nearly 3 years and love the freedom of mobile broadband.

We all know that Vancouver is know for having good authentic Chinese food with famous chefs from Hong Kong. In addition, I think Vancouver has the best food selection in the world. All of restaurants (from French to Italian to Japanese) in Vancouver are authentic and fresh. I love the food so much, I visit Vancouver twice a year (well I also do some skiing while I am there).

Aside from falling into the typical tourist traps or overpriced meals or chain restaurants, below is a list of the restaurants (broken out by cuisine) I highly recommend you check out. Some of these restaurants are only known by locals.

Chinese:

Sun Sui Wah – Ok… this is quite commercial since they’ve an ad at the airport (YVR). There are two Sun Sui Wah locations: one in Richmond right by the airport and another near downtown. They are famous for their quails, Peking Duck and shark fin soup. They also have good Dim Sum as well. Definitely give them a try!

Fisherman’s Terrace – One of my favorite Chinese restaurants. Fisherman’s Terrace is located inside Aberdeen Place in Richmond (by the airport). Great Chinese food served family style. It is a bit pricey but definitely worth the price. It may be the best Chinese restaurant on this list.

Kirin Restaurant – There are 4 locations, I think the one in Richmond is the best. However, the one downtown has the best service. You can have Dim Sum in the afternoon and fine dining in the evening.

Lok’s Chinese Restaurant – Located in Kerrisdale, Vancouver. This restaurant could be a bit too north and west for travelers without a car. Lok’s offer casual to fine dining. I personally like the food here. Definitely worth a try if you’ve a car with you.

Victoria Chinese Seafood Restaurant – Located in downtown Vancouver off Melville Street. They serve Dim Sum in the afternoon and wide variety of dining specials in the evening. Victoria isn’t too expensive compared to the rest of the Chinese restaurants stated above.

French:

Le Gavroche – It is one of my favorites for fine dining. Le Gavroche has excellent food and good service.

Le Crocodile – It is one of the fine dining places in Vancouver. It has 20+ years of history. Definitely worth trying if you’re in a mood to spend some money for real French fine dining!

Chambar – Well… Not quite a French restaurant, more of a Belgium restaurant (but close enough). Chambar has great food, excellent wine selection and dessert.

Italian:

Amacord Restaurant – A fine dining place at Yaletown (one of my favorite areas for good food in Vancouver). Amacord offers fine dining and their lobster pasta is delicious – you must order it when you are there.

CinCin – Great Italian restaurant located in downtown Vancouver. It offers fine dining with great wine selection. It is located on Robson, Vancouver’s busiest and most touristy street.

Provence Marinaside – It is located in Yaletown which is fairly close to downtown. Great place for brunch and fine dining. Restaurant also offer a great view of the harbor.

Japanese:

Guu – An awesome place for Japanese Tapas and one of my favorite restaurants. There are multiple Guu locations. The Guu on Robson is the best but it’s packed from 6pm. The Guu on Thurlow is the original. The third Guu restaurant is in Richmond which is so-so. I usually show up at 5:30PM at Guu on Robson whenever I am in Vancouver!

Gyoza King – located on Robson as well, a few doors down from Guu. Gyoza King opens late. I recalled going there after 1AM and the place was still packed. Very similiar to Guu, Gyoza King has more alcohol (sake) selection. Their Gyoza is good too – hence the name.

Miko Sushi Restaurant – Located on Robson and offers a full Japanese menu. Miko Sushi has fresh fish and is one of my favorites.

Steakhouse & Fish

Blue Water Cafe – This is a place for great raw oysters! Blue Water Cafe is located in Yaletown and offers a great view of the marina. I highly recommend you sit outside on a sunny day. They also have good white wine pairing with the raw bar.

Hy’s Encore – A steakhouse located at the heart of downtown. Hy’s is on Hornby and looks like a cigar shop from the outside. The setting is dark and old – looks like an old church. Steak and garlic bread are great. We only had lunch at Hy’s but I am sure they are great for dinner as well. Hy’s Encore is also a place for power lunch!