Travel Tips from a Million-Mile Flier

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  1

  DrBruin

  07/10/08 | Report as spam

  A couple of additional tips

  As somebody who has more than a million miles flying on two different airlines, I agree wholeheartedly with the comment that business travel has always been unpleasant and has lately gotten much worse.
  
  Here are some additional tips:
  
  1. Try to book on the same airline to build up your frequent flyer level. The perks actually do help. Getting on early means you're more likely to find space for your bag. If you need help, you're slight more likely to be treated with respect.
  
  2. Use a travel agent. They have more clout and more access to information than you do. But check your options yourself through a site like Sidestep to make sure they're not booking you on an unnecessarily expensive flight.
  
  3. Use earplugs and/or noise cancelling headphones. The constant roar of engine noise is debilitating. Cutting down on the noise level will mean you arrive less tired and grouchy than otherwise.
  
  4. Never check baggage. Never. I'm about to head to Poland for two weeks and trust me, I'm only taking a carry on bag. You can do it with a well-designed bag and a bit of creativity.

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  pesc

  07/11/08 | Report as spam

  RE: Travel Tips from a Million-Mile Flier

  Airline status is key. It allows for upgrades to first class and priority seating and boarding even if not upgraded. Even buying a few electronic upgrades can help on airlines that you don't have status, because you can ask for standby for the upgrade -- and even if you don't get it, you get priority seating.
  
  Exit Rows are ok if you need the legroom; but watchout for those flights with 2 sets of exit rows -- a row in front of an exit row doesn't recline.
  
  Sit forward and aisle (if you've learned the knack of sleeping and keeping your elbows in so you don't get whacked by a cart.)
  
  Never take the bulkhead -- you don't have seat in front of you for stowage of your travel gear. Use carryone's that can both fit under a seat, in a pinch.
  
  If traveling with a partner (business or personal) taking the window and aisle is good -- you can always swap into a middle seat if you need to.
  
  Always present a smile and a sense of humor; honey always catches more flies than vinegar.
  
  Before touching someone else's stuff, ask politely, "May i ask who's luggage is up here, because i'd like to try to squeeze this small bag or jacket up there". "may i ask...because... squeeze...small" are all key words in getting a response. If no one objects you can negotiate your goods uptop. If someone objects that you're touching their stuff, stop and immediately ring a flight attendent button. You do not want to get into a tiff while boarding a plane.
  
  And, please always use only "your" overhead space -- nothing more annoying than seeing someone stow a bag overhead and then move more than 3 seats further back. ... this doesn't probably apply to most people reading this... if it does... you know who you are! so, knock it off
  

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  seansilverthorne@...

  07/11/08 | Report as spam

  Status counts

  Great observation. If you have enough miles under your belt, use the conferred status. I also think flight attendants will be more willing to accommodate seasoned fliers who know the drill and are respectful.
  
  Sean

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  4

  cdn_soul

  07/11/08 | Report as spam

  Another view

  It always amazes me to see all these light loaded travellers forever in a hurry but not getting through customs much faster if at all, than regular passengers.
  I've also logged in my million miles (always overseas destinations) & yes travelling light has its advantages but I always have checked-in luggage. I just know that I'll be buying another (as cheap as I can get) suitcase for my next trip & that is a lot cheaper than having to buy everything I need at my destination.
  My secrets for not panicking.... Leave a day early, put your brain on travel mode (nothing affects you & I mean nothing) and I prefer a seat with the aisle on my left close to the front. You dont get the heavy traffic at the rear or front because of toilets location. Drink water only & as little as possible. Don't eat & especially if it's foreign food, DON'T.
  Here's a little trick I used from time to time & it worked more often than not. Booking economy class and once on the plane, talk to the head steward(ess) & ask to upgrade & you will pay cash $ for the upgrade. Now in business class, you'll be able to sleep all you want. If not, you have an extra day of rest anyway.

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  seansilverthorne@...

  07/11/08 | Report as spam

  Bribe!!!

  I love the idea of using cash to pay your way to the front of the plane. I'm sure you weren't SUGGESTING a cash bribe of the lead flight attendant, but if the opportunity presents itself.. well, that's up to you. But there is nothing wrong with asking in-flight what will it take to move up?