Our Voices

The Seat in the Middle 1

Hotel Review: Handwritten Collection, Mount Faber

Tucked away on the lush, green slopes of Mount Faber, the Handwritten Collection promises a serene escape from Singapore’s bustling city life. As a young executive looking for a quick weekend staycation, I was...
The Seat in the Middle 2

Qantas Double Status Credits is back!

The long-awaited Qantas Double Status Credit promotion has finally landed, and for many frequent flyers, it feels like a long-overdue move. After what’s felt like a lull in meaningful rewards, Qantas has brought back...
The Seat in the Middle 3

KrisFlyer Devaluation 2025 Changes That Will Cost You More Miles

Singapore Airlines has long offered a relatively clear path for using KrisFlyer miles through two familiar redemption categories: Saver and Advantage. Saver awards are the most sought after, offering the best value in terms...
The Seat in the Middle 4

Flight Review: MU546 Singapore Changi – Shanghai Pudong A330 Business Class

Flying China Eastern’s MU546 from Singapore to Shanghai Pudong in business class aboard their older Airbus A330 turned out to be a pleasant surprise—solid, comfortable, and delivered with a quiet efficiency that made the...
The Seat in the Middle 5

China Southern Airlines boosting flights between Australia and China

Starting this December, flying between Sydney and Guangzhou is about to become significantly easier, thanks to a major expansion by China Southern Airlines. From December 13, 2025, the airline will operate four direct flights...
China Southern Starlux Oneworld

If You Had to Pick One: Starlux or China Southern for Oneworld?

Oneworld, home to giants like American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific, is reportedly considering new members to strengthen its Asia-Pacific network. Two airlines often come up: Starlux Airlines from Taiwan and China Southern Airlines from mainland China.
The Seat in the Middle 6

Exploring Glodok – Jakarta’s Chinatown

Jakarta wakes up in fragments—car horns in the distance, the clatter of food carts setting up, the warm hush of early sunlight on concrete. I was already stirring before the alarm, the soft hum...
The Seat in the Middle 7

World’s Best Cities to Live In: A Traveler’s Snapshot

Based on EIU’s Global Liveability report’s, this guide dives into the countries behind these vibrant urban hubs, offering little snippets of their unique culture, history, and modern charm through a short description, pro, con, and must-see or must-do attraction. From Copenhagen’s cozy waterfront to Vancouver’s thrilling suspension bridge, these destinations promise unforgettable adventures for your next trip.
The Seat in the Middle 8

Vietjet Air: The Bikini to Budget Flight

Today Vietjet Air operates over 80 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, serving 99 routes across Vietnam and 13 countries, including Thailand, Japan, and India.
The Seat in the Middle 9

Klook or Viator? Let’s Compare Them

Planning your next trip and wondering where to book tours, tickets, or fun activities? Klook and Viator are two big names for travel experiences, but they’re not the same. I’ve broken it down into simple points to help you pick the best one for your adventure. Let’s dive in!
The Seat in the Middle 10

Accor+ Explorer: A Rebrand That Costs You More for Less

From 1 October 2025, Accor Plus will relaunch as ALL Accor+ Explorer. Though this might sound like an exciting new chapter, the changes at the core of the programme are less than inspiring. The...
The Seat in the Middle 11

Lounge Review: Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge, Sydney International Airport

The Plaza Premium Lounge at Sydney Airport’s international arrivals is a modest and compact space that offers a bit of peace and quiet—if you're lucky enough to visit during a slow period. I stopped...
The Seat in the Middle 12

How the RBA’s Surcharge Ban Could Change Your Frequent Flyer Game

As a frequent flyer, you’ve likely mastered the art of racking up points for that dream business-class flight to Europe or a quick getaway to Bali. But a new proposal from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to ban credit and debit card surcharges and slash interchange fees by July 2026 could shake up how you earn and redeem those precious frequent flyer points.
The Seat in the Middle 13

Hotel Review: YOTEL Landside Istanbul Airport

When planning our layover in Istanbul, we found ourselves debating whether to take the plunge and book a stay at YOTEL Landside at Istanbul Airport. I'd seen all the mixed reviews floating around on...
The Seat in the Middle 14

Soar Safely: 10 Stunning Destinations for an Unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Adventures

Hot air ballooning is a one-of-a-kind way to see the world, floating high above with just the sound of the burner and a gentle breeze. My ride over Morocco’s Marrakech desert—golden sand dunes and the Atlas Mountains at sunrise—was absolutely unforgettable.
The Seat in the Middle 15

Airline Review: GA718 Denpasar Bali – Melbourne Garuda Indonesia A330 Economy Class

As a SkyTeam Elite member and regular long-haul traveler, I’ve come to recognize quality service and comfort when I see it. My recent flight on Garuda Indonesia’s GA718 from Denpasar (DPS) to Melbourne (MEL)...
The Seat in the Middle 16

A Night on Selingan Turtle Island

Spending a night on Selingan Turtle Island, off the coast of Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Southeast Asia. It’s not just a beach getaway—it’s an...
The Seat in the Middle 17

An Afternoon at The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Japan

Spending an afternoon at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is not just a tourist activity—it’s a profound emotional experience that confronts the reality of war and invites deep reflection on peace. Located in Hiroshima, Japan,...
The Seat in the Middle 18

A Day at Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Sandakan

A Day at Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary – A Borneo Wildlife Experience Worth Every Ringgit Spending a day at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is one of those rare travel experiences that...
The Seat in the Middle 19

Flight Review: MU709 Shanghai Pudong – Madrid Barajas A350 Business Class

Flying China Eastern Airlines flight MU709 from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to Madrid (MAD) in the airline’s new business class product was a surprisingly satisfying long-haul experience that combined thoughtful service, upgraded comfort, and a...
- Advertisement -spot_img
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
The Seat in the Middle 20

Reviews

- Advertisement -spot_img
- Advertisement -
The Seat in the Middle 40
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -The Seat in the Middle 40
- Advertisement -
The Seat in the Middle 42