Updated xONEx prices

[jpk]

What would people suggest: BAH or MCT? The extra SC zone isn't a concern as I'm crediting to AAdvantage. So I'm more interested in which is the nicer/safer city to visit. Is it true that I'd face problems at LOTFAP immigration if I have an Oman stamp in my passport?

There was a travel article about Muscat in a sunday rag, it talked it up (admittedly these pieces rarely highlight negatives) and said it was well worth visiting.

No idea on the Oman stamp sorry - although I've rarely had US immigration pay much attention to the other stamps in my passport.

 

[littl_flier]

I'm not doing turnarounds - actually visiting places. Not doing DXB as I'm already going there on my existing DONE4. What would people suggest: BAH or MCT? The extra SC zone isn't a concern as I'm crediting to AAdvantage. So I'm more interested in which is the nicer/safer city to visit. Is it true that I'd face problems at LOTFAP immigration if I have an Oman stamp in my passport?

Wow QF009, you mean people actually stop and visit places. I'm so used to seeing routing via earth's end just for FF miles that I was forgetting why some people travel.

I'm planning on doing Muscat in mine next year actually. Apparently there is some good desert sand dune buggying and there are some good day tours (though 12 hours tours) of the desert and you ride a camel in the rolling sand dunes etc. When I looked a couple of months ago though, the accomodation is EXTREMELY expensive, more than New York prices. Most of the big names were $350 - $700 per night but I'm not sure if this is year round or the dates I was looking at. I did see the article that jpk is referring to and it did have quite a good write-up.

Even though KiwiFlyer didn't stop, he did visit MCT and the BA service sounded quite good.

I'm unsure about the Oman and LOFTAP situation though but if anyone can point us in the right direction, that would be much appreciated.

 

[littl_flier]

Also, check the weather for the month you're travelling because it could be a little warm. Although it doesn't look much worse than ASP on a warm day. BBC - Weather Centre - World Weather - Average Conditions - Muscat

There's also some info on the Tourism bit here: Muscat travel guide - Wikitravel

 

[Keith009]

I'm not going there till late Jan 2009, so I guess I avoid the hot summer months. But I need to confirm my routing somewhat as my ticket starts in July 2008 when my existing one ends back in NRT. Or I suppose I could plan a simplified routing first then reissue later... depending on whether AA NRT can issue 20 segment eticket in May 2008 (or worse enhance xONExs down to 16 segments...:shock. If they can issue a 20 segment eticket then I'd rather confirm the routing right away to avoid the rerouting fee.

Well I strike a balance between miles and actually visiting places. Hence circuitious routings but actually stopping in places. I think it'd be a waste if I bought a DONE4 but never use it to see all the interesting places I want to see - it seems a good value way of hitting so many places all at once. And doing so many different tripss.

Yes MCT does look more interesting. But I'm worried about what the boffins at LOFTAP immigration will think. I was told it's because Oman in general is not known for tourism unlike BAH and DXB? Also - there might be no booze in MCT. :shock: OTOH BAH looks like another version of DXB.