Round-the-world SAS EuroBonus challenge part 1: The journey begins from Portland to Bali

17.12.2024 - 15:39 / thepointsguy.com

Last week, I wrote about how I was taking on the SAS EuroBonus million-mile challenge. Now that my trip has kicked off, I'll be checking in with periodic reports on how it's going.

I'm flying around the world in 25 days on 18 flights with 15 airlines, visiting 15 countries, and journaling every step along the way. So far, I've flown three airlines nearly 9,000 miles among four airports and stopped in two different Asian destinations.

Here's how my trip is going so far and some of the experiences I've been having.

My first flight was an uneventful 30-minute hop from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on Delta Air Lines early in the morning.

Rather than paying $35 to check a bag (after all, this is a long trip!), I was instead able to upgrade to first class for just $29, which gave me the ability to check two bags for free if I needed to. Not bad saving $6, especially considering I also got a more comfortable seat.

After I arrived in Seattle, I needed to get my bag and then check in with Korean Air, as I would be flying to Incheon International Airport (ICN) outside Seoul for the next leg of my trip.

Once I was all checked in, I headed to the Amex Centurion Lounge to relax before my flight, since I have The Platinum Card® from American Express, which allowed me access.

The airline gods were smiling upon me for this flight, as I noticed that once boarding had ended, nobody was sitting in the middle seat next to me. That meant I had more room to stretch out (a definite bonus for someone who is 6 feet, 4 inches tall), and it helped that even the regular economy seat pitch was about 34 inches, which rivals what you'll find in some extra-legroom seats on U.S. carriers.

My favorite part of the flight was the food. My first meal was a Korean staple, bibimbap. It was quite tasty and, dare I say, even rivaled some versions I have had on land, though the portion was small.

The second meal I was served was a chicken and rice dish, and while it was good (if overly sauced), it didn't rival the flavor of the bibimbap.

Between eating, nodding off and watching a few movies, 12 hours passed in no time, and before I knew it, I was in "The Land of the Morning Calm," as South Korea is sometimes known. My only gripe with this flight was the lack of inflight Wi-Fi, but I must admit it was nice being disconnected for some hours.

Once I deplaned, I went through an incredibly efficient immigration process and was on my way to my hotel, the Sheraton Grand Incheon, for a good night's rest before my next big flight.

The following morning, I headed back to the airport to check in for my Garuda Indonesia flight to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) on Bali. I was feeling extra