I know there is a thread with airline websites, but didn't see a thread for frequent flyers, so here goes. This is mainly for newbies and those that don't fly often, but is still useful info for everybody.

I'm only 28, but I caught the travel bug at a young age, so I have been flying on my own for about 15 years. I have averaged over 50,000 miles per year for the last few years. I fly through Asia at least twice a year, not counting domestic trips I take, and that mileage really starts to add up after a while.

If I am paying for the ticket, I only fly economy because I'm a cheap bastard, but do use the occaisional mileage upgrade to business class. I know there are other BMs that fly to LOS many more times a year than I do. If you only fly once a year, you might not think the miles mean anything, but trust me, they mean quite a bit. One roundtrip can range from 9,000 miles from Sydney, 12,000 miles from London, or 15,000 from the US and everything inbetween.

I've taken 99% of my flights on one airline so my knowledge is limited to my personal experience with that airline only.

What airline loyalty program do you belong to, and how do you like it? Please post links if you have any.

Your first flight to BKK is an experience in itself, lasting about 9.5 hours from Oz, 12 hrs from the UK, or like me, 21 hours in the air from the US not counting layovers. Unless you are a really deep sleeper, cabin fever starts to set in about halfway through the flight.

What are some of your tips for staying sane and comfortable throughout the flight, and what are your must-have items for during the flight?

Before you fly...

As for me, I fly United pretty much exclusively, and have been a Premier Executive (middle of three tiers of eliteness) member of their loyalty program, Mileage Plus, for many years. Being an elite level member offers bonus miles for most flights and other perks (mainly for me Economy Plus seating and I get to check in at the First or Business counter even if on a economy ticket, and the occasional free upgrade). I also have a United Mileage Plus Visa that accrues miles.

United is a member of Star Alliance, comprised of 20 airlines serving most of the world. So as a Mileage Plus member, I can accrue basic miles on any Star Alliance member airline and vice versa. Award seats from North America to Asia start at 60,000 FFM plus tax and fees. Cost from your home may vary. From my location, with my bonuses, three paid roundtrips to BKK = one free round trip to anywhere in Asia. Can't beat that with a stick now can you?

http://www.United.com

http://www.StarAlliance.com

I am also a member of a frequent flyer forum similar to this one. I have found many good tips there.

http://www.flyertalk.com

If you are new to flying, or new to a particular airline, you can check here to see the seat layouts on their planes before you buy your ticket.

http://www.seatguru.com

If you're a fatass like me and wonder what kind of food you'll be served on your flight, check here.

http://www.airlinemeals.net/

FYI, I usually request a vegetarian or Kosher meal. I've had some pretty shady meals on my flights, and those two usually aren't as hard on my stomach; plus you get served before everybody else. You'll have to request this when you purchase your ticket; asking at the gate or on the plane may be to late.

Joining the loyalty program is free, and if you have booked your first flight but are not a member yet, I urge you to sign up with your respective airline BEFORE you fly. To my knowledge, they will not award mileage for flights taken before you joined.

Packing...

We all take trips of various lengths, so adjust according to your situation. If at all possible, I try not to check a bag when I fly. The airline can't lose your bag if it is with you the entire flight. That being said, I know it isn't feasible to pack two or three months worth of stuff in a carry-on and a backpack, so bag checking tips are in the "At the airport" section.

Know the rules on what you can carry-on and what you can't. Sad fact of life is that some items just can't be brought onboard anymore. The link here is for the TSA and applies to the US only. I'm sure your respective country has a similar department, and maybe a helpful BM can find the link for those.

http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/index.shtm

I have been able to pack for trips three to four weeks in length with only a carry-on and a backpack. Now I know I might pack a little lighter than some other people, but that's just to show you it is possible. Laundry is dirt cheap, and you can buy most things that you will need while you are there.

My standard packing includes five-six pairs of shorts, two pairs of sandals, one pair of underwear for each day of my trip, a half dozen pair of socks and as many t-shirts a I have room for. I don't bring any long pants or long sleeve shirts, but that is just me.

I also bring all the standard toiletries. If you are going to check your bags, make sure you have a small tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush with you, just in case you get stuck at the airport somewhere.

My backpack has all my electronic equipment, laptop, camera, ipod, etc. some snacks (salty and sweet are good) and a book or two to read. I bring one pair of athletic shoes, but I wear them instead of packing to save space.

Those are the basics that I bring every trip. Anything else is up to you. One side benefit of not checking bags is being able to check in online and head straight for your gate.

I also have a list of must have items for every long flight I take. I keep most of these items in my pockets so I don't have to go rooting around in my bag for them mid-flight.

1) Sunglasses to block out some of the light.
2) earPlane earplugs help to equalize the change in pressure during take-off and landing. May be just a placebo effect, but I swear by them.

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp...amp;catid=50311

3) Sleeping pills. I use Ambien CR at home, but I like the original Ambien for flying.
4) Earplugs for sleeping and drowning out the baby thats crying RIGHT BESIDE ME! I love kids, just not when I'm flying.
5) Neck pillow, inflatable or stuffed, up to you. I have used both.
6) Chewing gum, to get the ass taste out of your mouth upon waking, and also helps with ear pressure problems.
7) Eyedrops cause I wear contacts.
8) iPod
9) Shure SE420 noise blocking headphones. Freaking expensive, but worth every penny.

http://shure.com/PersonalAudio/Products/Ea...odels/index.htm

10) One of those little menthol nasal inhalers. Sell in Patts for about 15 Baht, or about $1 in the US.
11) A pen, to fill out your immigration arrival card (fill it out on the plane cause if it isn't filled out when you get to the head of the immigration line, you'll have to fill it out and go to the back of the line, DOH!) It's also handy for doing the Sudoku or crosswords in the airplane magazine, but be prepared to share it with the many people that didn't read this thread and don't have their own.
12) Oh, and I almost forgot, Gas-x, cuz you really don't want to be "that guy."

At the airport...

Most of us have been through an airport before, and know how big of a headache it can become. Here are some things I've learned over the years. I always eat a light meal before I leave the house. Airport food isn't the greatest and is relatively expensive. I'll usually eat something like a club sandwich and some fruit.

I try to get to the airport at least two hours before my flight. Yeah, I end up waiting most of it, but it beats missing your flight. At the counter, smile and be nice to the agent. Yes, some will be rude, but it really pays to be nice (you'll see why later). If checking bags, make sure they are checked through to your final destination. Look on the luggage tag to see the three letter airport code and make sure it is where you are headed (BKK woo hoo!). Can't think of a worse start to a trip than arriving in Bangkok and finding out your bag is Bangladesh. In the US, we have TSA approved locks for checked bags. I always use one, and I add a plastic zip-tie to be doubly sure no one will be in my bag without my knowing about it. Brightly colored ones work well for me as they are not easily replaced like a plain colored one may be.

After checking your bags, head for the security checkpoint. Security screening in most countries has gotten much tighter over last few years, so be prepared to wait in line (aren't you glad you got here early). Have your passport and boarding pass out before you get to the guard and take all metallic objects out of you pockets and put them in your backpack. Most airports require you to take any liquids, your laptop and camcorder out of your bag to be screened seperately. Some make you take your shoes off, some don't. There will be plenty of signs telling you what is required so take the time to read them as you are waiting in line. If you get pulled aside for a more thorough screening, stay calm. I have had it happen to me before more than once, and every time they had a legitimate reason. Remember you're at their mercy, so bend over and take it. Getting mad is not going to help anybody and if you have nothing illegal on you, you should have nothing to worry about. Most of the time they are just doing their job.

By the time you get through the checkpoint, you should have about 60-90 minutes left before your flight. Go take a final dump, browse the newsstand for any last minute items and then head to your gate. As you can't bring bottled water from home anymore, I always pick up one bottle of water for every three-four hours of the flight.

Even though I already have my boarding pass, I always make a point of talking to the gate agent (remember to be nice). Usually, I'll ask a few questions and make a little small talk. The reason I do this is so the agent remembers me in the event anything happens (flight cancellations and such).

On one flight a few years ago (IAD-NRT), we were getting ready to board when the gate agent announces that the flight is overbooked, and we will have to wait for some people to give up their seats before the plane can take off (cue mass grumbling and cursing). I went to the agent again, asking how many people we were waiting on, and she told me they were full in business and overbooked in economy, but that they had seats available in first. Before you ask, I didn't get a seat in first, but she did remember me and that I had Elite status. She found another Elite member in business, bumped him to first, and gave me his seat in business, freeing up a seat in economy. Neither of us asked for it and I'm sure he appreciated it as much as I did. I don't know what the company line on giving free upgrades is, so I like to think it was because I was nice to her from the beginning.

On the plane...

Most airlines board by class, then by seating area. I'm always in the first group for economy. I don't care too much about getting in the seat the fastest as all you do is wait in there anyways, but I do like to get my pick of the luggage compartments. I always get one right above me or in front of me. If you are one of the last boarders, you may not have as much choice where you put your bags, but if you have a choice, always stow your bag in front of where you're sitting, even if it isn't near you. Anybody that has flown before can tell you it is damn near impossible to move towards the back of the plane as 400 people are trying to deplane.

Before I'm seated, I put one bottle of water, a bag of snacks, a book, my iPod and my sunglasses in the seatback in front of me. After that, strap in, and prepare to be bored.

The time of day your flight leaves will determine what time the meal service is. I usually ask the gate attendant (remember her?) how long into the flight it is. If it is within the first few hours of the flight, I try to stay awake until then. After eating, I walk around the plane for a few minutes, use the restroom and pop a sleeping pill. If you're lucky you won't be awakened by the person next to you, or someone bumping into you in the aisle. Even with the sleeping pill, it's hard for me to sleep more than three-four hours at a time.

The rest of my time I kill with my laptop, loaded with a bunch of movies, my book, or the in-flight entertainment. Depending on how friendly the person next to me is, I will try and make some small talk. I have actually picked up some clients this way, and it can help pass the time.

I try to stay hydrated the entire flight. I bring a few single serving lemonade drink mixes with me for a little sugar. The sugar and salt from the snacks will help you retain a little bit of water during the flight as the recirculated air can be pretty dehydrating. As I have said before, airline food can be pretty hit or miss, so if you're like me and don't like to go hungry for very long, be sure to bring enough to keep you satisfied.

Before you know it, the captain will be announcing your arrival. See, it wasn't so bad was it?

This is probably the longest post I'll ever write, and I hope it helps the members here. Feel free to add your own tips and advice and also ask any questions you have; I'm sure another BM will have the answer or be able to point you in the right direction. If you are new to the site or international flying, don't be scared to ask; there are no stupid questions as we've all been there before. No flaming newbie questions please, and if you don't have anything constructive to offer, I'd rather you not post here at all.

Thanks everybody and have a great flight!

This post has been edited by chuckrivera: Aug 13 2008, 09:33 PM

great post... ....

i use jap airline and i have just join in there ff program they also in the (oneworld program).. have no idea how it works as of yet.. but with the way im flying now days.. it seem smart to get something out of all the miles..

btw.. i always have a book with me for the flights.. even though i bring an ipod, laptop, and such. i prefer books the most.( no battery life, no sound to bother people, plus you cant finish a book in 2 hours..)..lol...

Thanks PE.GOB, after you've familiarized yourself with Oneworld, let us know how it is.

My main reason for bringing at least one book, is for the first and last 15 minutes of the flight when all your electronics have to be turned off. It helps to bring a book you've started, but not finished so you are already into it a little.

heres a couple tips :

when you check in if there is a big line up for the economy class, just go to the business class counter and ask how much for an upgrade , after they give you the rediculous upgrade price ( sometimes its ok and i do it ! ) tell them no thanks and be nice , 90% of the they will check you in economy but in the business counter so you dont need to wait .

when boarding i always wait to get on last . that way if there are empty rows or better seats you have your pick !! Let everyone else rush to their crappy seats

Also I like my airlines like my women. ASIAN !! american, canadian, and english airlines have shit service, and most of the staff have a piss poor attitude


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"Hey love crusader I want to be your space invader "

Great post!

My addition: I always take a direct flight, BKK from/to Amsterdam or Dusseldorf. Flight takes 10-12 hours. I pop in a sleeping pill just before boarding, usually I am fast asleep for 8 hours!!! Then, I am still groggy for an hour or so, and then we're almost there . Last time I was alseep before we were airborn.

Excellent post, I liked it so much I am pinning this thread.

I generally have a couple of drinks before boarding the plane and take a couple of gravol. This puts me to sleep for 5-7 hours most times and kills a good portion of the flight. Noise cancelling headphones are a must and my mp3 player must have fully charged batteries before departing.

Great post. Lots of good advice for even the most seasoned traveler. Thanks for taking the time.
bolly

Very good post... I am glad to see there is someone else as anal as me, but preparation is essential. Th only thing that I cannot do is travel with a carry on. My cloths are too big and even though i have travelled extensively for 35 years I still always pack too much...just in case.

TIP on plane: if you get seated next to an olding white guy with a 1960's travelin' leisure hat who cannot shut up to save his life, do yourself a favor and get up and move. Or spend the flight in the john. Will save heavy on the headache... and the urge to kill!

thanks CR - great, thorough post.

You're right about finding an airline and alliance that you like and stick with it. The frequent flyer benefits give you a lot more options, and I've found a lot more respect and help from the staff when they see the couple hundred thousand miles I've logged come up on their computer screen. I've been flying NWA/KLM for the last 10 years as I work in Africa and travel to the states 3-4x/year, so I've benefited from lots of free flights, and now it serves me for going to LOS. I was able to fly to LOS from AMS for $75 last year!

For finding some peace and quiet, I use Bose noise canceling headphones even when I'm not listening to music; I'll turn them upside and I can sleep just fine with them on. They are incredible at canceling out the constant (at least you hope it is constant) engine noise, and as a result I find that I am much less fatigued after long trips. Try them, you won't believe how much noise was going on before you flip the switch. The combination of the headphones and an iPod give you a lot more options for the music or movies you are able to enjoy.

For sleeping, I'll pop the sleeping pill just after the first meal, and often find myself just waking up as we approach the gate. I use Ambien and don't feel any groggy or dazed aftereffects. I don't think I would use them though for anything less than an 8 hour flight.

Your exactly right about chatting up the desk agents - if your friendly, most of them will be too. They must suffer an incredible amount of arrogant AO's, and so are happy to help you if you show them some interest, consideration and respect.

I'm not sure how you get away with just your carry-on as the restrictions on size and weight are becoming more confusing and onerous, especially since some airlines are limiting carry-on to 12 kilos and have started weighing carry-on. I use my carry-on bag to put in a change of clothes and my laptop, and the few toiletries that aren't considered liquids. As for the liquid BS, I found if I just leave the few small bottles I have in the carry-on and don't say anything, they never, ever, seem to see it on the x-ray scanner. Makes me wonder what the hell they do see?

I found a great Canon backpack for carrying my DSLR, extra lenses, pocket cams, digital camcorder, iPods, external HDs, batteries and connector cables. It's compact and I don't have to worry if on a small plane they want to check the carry-on bag. I won't let my electronics out of my sight; way too much investment there (probably worth more than the cost of the trip).

Flying definitely isn't fun anymore, but with some planning it can at least be bearable, and leave you in fine shape for your first shag with hours of landing.

cheers

Agree 100% dude, problem for me is where I fly out of, there are no Asian carriers, so I'd basically have to buy two tickets in some cases. It is cost prohibitive for me right now.

There is a stark contrast between US based and Asian based flight crews even on the same airline. That is not to say all the US based flight crews are bad, but the difference in attitude is AMAZING.



Braveheart, thanks so much for pinning this thread. I feel special now, LOL.

You do bring up a couple of good points I forgot to mention. Some people swear by drinking on the flight, and if it works for you, then have at it. I have found that if I drink on a long flight, I get more dehydrated and feel quite a bit worse when I land, but that is just me. But because I'm a cheap bastard, I never forget to get as many mini bottles of free booze I can to drink later! And definitely make sure the electronic equipment you plan on using in-flight is fully charged.



I probably take the Anal Retentive cake on this one Bear. I pack thirty days before I leave, and repack almost every day until my flight, even though I know six months beforehand exactly what I'm bringing. I hate me!

I also use to pack every last thing I thought I would need, but over the years I have whittled it down to a few essentials. I do check bags for some trips where I just run out of room.

You have over twice the years flying under your belt that I have, and I appreciate your insight. I am interested to hear some of your other thoughts if you feel like sharing. There is always something I can do better.



Not to play whose got the bigger pair, but my upcoming flight cost me a whopping $47.10, although I'm sure someone out there still has me beat.



I haven't had any issues with the weight of the bag, knock on wood. I use a slightly larger than allowed carry-on bag. I think United's regs are 9 x 14 x 22 in. I measured my bag completely full at 10 x 13 x 24in. I have noticed many people with bags that looked bigger than mine, so it may be airline specific on how tight they are on the rules.

Thanks everybody for your tips. Keep them coming please!

This post has been edited by chuckrivera: May 30 2008, 07:46 AM

awesome post.
2 things that im going add are pretty basic

Flying out of a regional hub instead of directly out of an internation one can save lots of money. ive saved hundreds of dollars. This usually applies to cities that have one big airline that has a monopoly on the hub.

Next is even if you dont like to read, bring a book. Usually everyone has a book that they want to read, but never actually get around to it. Well on the plane, I usually find myself reading, and finishing the book.