Singaporean applicants under FSW

[abelkwh]

Since China airlines is so much cheaper than better just take China airlines cause i dont see much difference in the service and flight, unless time is a factor to consider. When do u plan to land in Calgary?

[tran]

Tentatively, we plan to land in Aug; first Vancouver to visit friends, then proceed to Calgary. Have you given up the idea about landing in Regina first?

[jnathan]

I wouldnt take Cheap airlines for saving $100-$300
I need comfort, in flight entertainment, world class airlines when it comes to longer journies.

[tran]

I wouldnt take Cheap airlines for saving $100-$300
I need comfort, in flight entertainment, world class airlines when it comes to longer journies.

There is a difference of S$700(not $100-$300) per ticket. And, there are four of us. That makes
a difference of S$2,800. I don't mind paying $100-$200 more for better comfort and service. Have you
flew China Airlines or Eva Air before?

[abelkwh]

Yes, Tran, i have taken both before, and i mentioned that there is no difference in the service and flight comfort. U would be saving quite a bit since there are 4 of u instead of just yrself. So, if i were u, i would take air china instead of EVA.

[msrjony]

Do anybody know whether it is sure or not?

I've heard it from a consultant.

Right now skilled worker applications are expected to take at least 6 years to process out of Singapore. That office has over 22,000 applications in that category but only accepts about 3800 a year. In some countries, like Pakistan, applicants can expect to wait 35 years!!
jony

[msrjony]

Do anybody know whether it is sure or not?

I've heard it from a consultant.

Right now skilled worker applications are expected to take at least 6 years to process out of Singapore. That office has over 22,000 applications in that category but only accepts about 3800 a year. In some countries, like Pakistan, applicants can expect to wait 35 years!!



jony

[tran]

Yes, Tran, i have taken both before, and i mentioned that there is no difference in the service and flight comfort. U would be saving quite a bit since there are 4 of u instead of just yrself. So, if i were u, i would take air china instead of EVA.

Hi Abel,

Actually my question is directed at jnathan. Just a clarification, China Airlines is Taiwanese whereas Air China is Mainland China.

[abelkwh]

Yes, indeed China airlines is from China and EVA is from Taiwan. Both the service are the same. I think its better to save some money on the flight since both services are the same and if travel time is about the same.

[tran]

Hi Abel,

I think you have mistaken China Airlines with Air China.

[abelkwh]

Sorry, China airlines, i mean air china, there r no china airlines, i only meant air china, sorry dude.

[jnathan]

All

Clarification:

Air China - Minland China
China Airlines - Taiwanese
EVA - Taiwanese

how much are the fares for each of them from Zia to Toronto?
Which Airlines will take you from Dhaka? China Eastern?
Does any of the above come to Zia?

I have traveled only by Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways. Their in flight entertainment is exclusive and world known.

[mediajunkie]

Hi all, sorry drifted away from these forums again. If you need to get in touch with me, you can always e-mail me at mediajunkie -at- gmail.com.

Anyway, regarding air tickets if any of you plan on coming back to Singapore to see your parents, parents-in-law, etc. I would recommend that you spend that extra money on a good frequent flyer program. Remember flying from Singapore (or Southeast Asia) to North America is about 10,000 miles give or take. Air Canada gives you Gold status when you hit 35,000 miles (basically 2 return trips) - which means free lounge access, priority seating, and sometimes free upgrades too. And you can redeem free tickets for 20,000 miles within north America or 45-60,000 miles elsewhere.

One big tip - try not to fly during school holidays or peak season. When I came over in November, my one-way ticket on Korean Air Lines was $1100 on Nov 19, but the same ticket would have cost $1700 on Nov 20 - the start of the end-of-the-year Singapore school holidays. If you have kids, pull them out of school a few days before school holidays begins. Right now it's summer in Canada and summer ticket prices often are more expensive, with fuel surcharges hidden within the price. Try to travel during the late fall or winter - but not during December!

Also ticket prices to Canada are expensive because airport tax is expensive. American airports charge between US$25-75 (depending on airport). Canadian airports taxes can run from CA$135-200. Airport taxes are built into the ticket prices these days. If you take a route that goes through more than one Canadian airport, you're gonna have to pay even more in taxes.

China Airlines is good for short flights, not sure about long-haul. I've taken EVA air before but only in business class. But I find the taiwanese crew to be rather rude. I can't speak mandarin  and the crew was very reluctant to serve me when I asked them to get things for me in English. May you should try Korean Airlines - I booked directly from their website after trying several agents and got the best price there. My brother went to Singapore using ANA in April and I think he only spent S$1700 round trip - my grandfather bought the ticket for him 'cos he wanted to see his precious grandson, no love for his grand-daughter.

Also my cousin flew by Northwest Airlines in May for S$1800, but there is that extra hassle of going through US airports - if your checked bags are locked they will cut your locks open (even when the locks are designed into the bag) to check for contraband. Also you have to get your bags, clear US customs, and then re-check your bags onto a domestic flight - depending on the airport the domestic flight could be in a different terminal - really a long hassle after a long trans-pacific flight.

[tran]

Hi all, sorry drifted away from these forums again. If you need to get in touch with me, you can always e-mail me at mediajunkie -at- gmail.com.

Anyway, regarding air tickets if any of you plan on coming back to Singapore to see your parents, parents-in-law, etc. I would recommend that you spend that extra money on a good frequent flyer program. Remember flying from Singapore (or Southeast Asia) to North America is about 10,000 miles give or take. Air Canada gives you Gold status when you hit 35,000 miles (basically 2 return trips) - which means free lounge access, priority seating, and sometimes free upgrades too. And you can redeem free tickets for 20,000 miles within north America or 45-60,000 miles elsewhere.

One big tip - try not to fly during school holidays or peak season. When I came over in November, my one-way ticket on Korean Air Lines was $1100 on Nov 19, but the same ticket would have cost $1700 on Nov 20 - the start of the end-of-the-year Singapore school holidays. If you have kids, pull them out of school a few days before school holidays begins. Right now it's summer in Canada and summer ticket prices often are more expensive, with fuel surcharges hidden within the price. Try to travel during the late fall or winter - but not during December!

Also ticket prices to Canada are expensive because airport tax is expensive. American airports charge between US$25-75 (depending on airport). Canadian airports taxes can run from CA$135-200. Airport taxes are built into the ticket prices these days. If you take a route that goes through more than one Canadian airport, you're gonna have to pay even more in taxes.

China Airlines is good for short flights, not sure about long-haul. I've taken EVA air before but only in business class. But I find the taiwanese crew to be rather rude. I can't speak mandarin  and the crew was very reluctant to serve me when I asked them to get things for me in English. May you should try Korean Airlines - I booked directly from their website after trying several agents and got the best price there. My brother went to Singapore using ANA in April and I think he only spent S$1700 round trip - my grandfather bought the ticket for him 'cos he wanted to see his precious grandson, no love for his grand-daughter.

Also my cousin flew by Northwest Airlines in May for S$1800, but there is that extra hassle of going through US airports - if your checked bags are locked they will cut your locks open (even when the locks are designed into the bag) to check for contraband. Also you have to get your bags, clear US customs, and then re-check your bags onto a domestic flight - depending on the airport the domestic flight could be in a different terminal - really a long hassle after a long trans-pacific flight.

Thanks for the information. Any luck on the job front for you?

[mediajunkie]

I'm still doing temp work, my most recent one is at a bank though and it is a fairly long-term contract. It is really useful because it really chalks up towards gaining Canadian work experience. And since I'm working night shift I don't have to deal with a lot of people.

the employment agency I got my temp job from is also pretty helpful. They advised me to get my CISSP certification so that I can work in Network Security because it is one area in IT which is in big demand right now. Even my friend at IBM tells me that it's an area that's booming right now. i'm currently studying for it and will probably take it in August.

Also finally finished writing my movie script and working with a think tank on creative ideas and suggestions. Hopefully i'll be able to send it in to an agent soon.