Road "Warriors"

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Scoopers - been in a new role at work that's had me on the road quite a bit more. There are plenty of sites out there with travel tips, but curious what your experience is.

Below are some of the bullets I've put together myself. Any additions?

Never check luggage - saves time on both ends of each flight, reduces the risk of the airline losing/damaging your bag, and a nic forcing function to not over-pack. Also there is a difference among luggage; don't skimp on quality if you are spending a majority of your time on the road for work.

Always take the first flight out - Almost never delayed. Worth it even if it's a 5am departure; you can sleep on the flight. I almost prefer spending an extra night in a city to catch the first flight out the next morning. It can be tough to be away a little longer, but if you use that time to get ahead on work, you're able to be fully present with family once you're back, and avoid delays.

Standardize to one airline - Sort of obvious; maximizes status and miles
Sleep/Read on the flight - People seem split on this but even in first class I find I'm less productive than at a hotel and able to spread out. Using the flight to decompress as much as you can is useful and takes the edge off exhaustion when you're on the ground

Bottled water: No alcohol/coffee - I definitely don't bat .100 on this, but find I'm able to get more restful sleep when I'm staying hydrated and not circulating depressants/stimulants through my blood. Certainly some team-building events come up that require some boozing, but by-and-large I'm always happier that I abstain the next day.

No airline food - unless it's a long-haul flight that spans two or more destination meal times, I never eat on the plane. Work is paying for the trip, so don't eat glorified McDonald's (but higher sodium) if you can help it.

Vegan - this is something I've been experimenting with lately. Difficult to make it work in some towns, but if you can avoid meat and dairy you BM and sleep like a champ.

Exercise - Even a 20 min jog on the treadmill is huge for me; most of the trip I am sitting on my butt, and it's easy to go a week with no real physical exertion.

Church - I'm sure there are varying degrees of Catholicism on the board (I'm certainly not extreme), but I've found catching a local service to be great if you're traveling during a Sunday. If you're not careful you start to feel like a total outsider and not social at all while traveling and this can help scratch that community itch. Not to mention there are some beautiful churches in many cities.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Scoopers - been in a new role at work that's had me on the road quite a bit more. There are plenty of sites out there with travel tips, but curious what your experience is.

Below are some of the bullets I've put together myself. Any additions?

Never check luggage - saves time on both ends of each flight, reduces the risk of the airline losing/damaging your bag, and a nic forcing function to not over-pack. Also there is a difference among luggage; don't skimp on quality if you are spending a majority of your time on the road for work.

Always take the first flight out - Almost never delayed. Worth it even if it's a 5am departure; you can sleep on the flight. I almost prefer spending an extra night in a city to catch the first flight out the next morning. It can be tough to be away a little longer, but if you use that time to get ahead on work, you're able to be fully present with family once you're back, and avoid delays.

Standardize to one airline - Sort of obvious; maximizes status and miles
Sleep/Read on the flight - People seem split on this but even in first class I find I'm less productive than at a hotel and able to spread out. Using the flight to decompress as much as you can is useful and takes the edge off exhaustion when you're on the ground

Bottled water: No alcohol/coffee - I definitely don't bat .100 on this, but find I'm able to get more restful sleep when I'm staying hydrated and not circulating depressants/stimulants through my blood. Certainly some team-building events come up that require some boozing, but by-and-large I'm always happier that I abstain the next day.

No airline food - unless it's a long-haul flight that spans two or more destination meal times, I never eat on the plane. Work is paying for the trip, so don't eat glorified McDonald's (but higher sodium) if you can help it.

Vegan - this is something I've been experimenting with lately. Difficult to make it work in some towns, but if you can avoid meat and dairy you BM and sleep like a champ.

Exercise - Even a 20 min jog on the treadmill is huge for me; most of the trip I am sitting on my butt, and it's easy to go a week with no real physical exertion.

Church - I'm sure there are varying degrees of Catholicism on the board (I'm certainly not extreme), but I've found catching a local service to be great if you're traveling during a Sunday. If you're not careful you start to feel like a total outsider and not social at all while traveling and this can help scratch that community itch. Not to mention there are some beautiful churches in many cities.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.  It's all about the points!  Standardize to one or two hotel chains also.  I do Hilton & Marriot Families as that gets you Residence Inns, Spring Hill Suites, etc. & Homewood Suites, Hampton Inns, etc.
Yes.

Yes on water.  I need a morning coffee wherever I am.

It depends on your schedule and flight length. 

You may be missing out on local cuisine by not eating meat.   

I'm a runner and my running shoes go where I go.  I take my 5:30am run wherever I am.  I run outside weather permitting because you get to see parts of cities and towns you might not normally see plus you may spot an interesting restaurant, gift shop, historic place, etc. that you may wan to revisit later time permitting.

I very rarely had to travel somewhere where I wasn't home on a Saturday evening/Sunday morning so I can't really answer.

My 2 cents.

[JWags85]

I don't travel a ton for work, only about 2 trips per year, but for all the casual to semi-regular travels, GET GLOBAL TSA PRE-CHECK.  Its a no brainer for regular business travelers, but its $100 for 5 years and saves a million headaches.  I was randomly assigned pre-check going through security for my last 3 flights and it makes travel a breeze.  No belts, laptops, toiletries taken out, shoes on, go through the line in 5 min.  Its incredible.  I scheduled my interview and process to get approved as soon as I got home.

[GGGG]

Scoopers - been in a new role at work that's had me on the road quite a bit more. There are plenty of sites out there with travel tips, but curious what your experience is.

Below are some of the bullets I've put together myself. Any additions?

Never check luggage - saves time on both ends of each flight, reduces the risk of the airline losing/damaging your bag, and a nic forcing function to not over-pack. Also there is a difference among luggage; don't skimp on quality if you are spending a majority of your time on the road for work.

But, if your schedule allows for an extra 15 minutes, don't be "that guy" who refuses to check bags even when they are offering for free at the gate - especially on a non-stop flight.

It just makes everyone's life a little easier and isn't that much of a hassle.

Standardize to one airline - Sort of obvious; maximizes status and miles
Sleep/Read on the flight - People seem split on this but even in first class I find I'm less productive than at a hotel and able to spread out. Using the flight to decompress as much as you can is useful and takes the edge off exhaustion when you're on the ground

I am not good at the plane standardization.  I do standardize my hotel and rental car though.  I agree with you regarding working on a plane.  I rarely do so unless absolutely necessary.  Usually just go "old school" and bring a book.

I usually stay in the suburbs when I can because the hotels are cheaper and less of a distraction then staying in the city center.  I can get a ton done in a hotel, or even a coffee shop.

[keefe]

As a pilot i carried everything I needed for a TDY in a helmet bag. Toiletry kit, clean socks and scivs, workout sh1t, jeans and a polo, laptop, photo of the bride, and a spare flight suit. Anything else was excess weight that burned gas.

[reinko]

Be kind to flight attendants, and treat them like the professional they are.  As a newer dad, I have a found a new appreciation for flying with kids.  If you give a parent a dirty look whose infant is crying, seriously throw yourself down a well.  Now, if it some punk 9 year old, who is not being disciplined, that's another story.

Lastly, always thank the pilots for a smooth flight and landing, and getting you to your destination safely.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

I don't travel a ton for work, only about 2 trips per year, but for all the casual to semi-regular travels, GET GLOBAL TSA PRE-CHECK.  Its a no brainer for regular business travelers, but its $100 for 5 years and saves a million headaches.  I was randomly assigned pre-check going through security for my last 3 flights and it makes travel a breeze.  No belts, laptops, toiletries taken out, shoes on, go through the line in 5 min.  Its incredible.  I scheduled my interview and process to get approved as soon as I got home.

great addition. Global Entry is pretty sweet as well for international travel. Eliminates the line for US customs. Not doing international as much anymore but I think there is another program which gives a similar customs experience in EU, etc countries.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

As a pilot i carried everything I needed for a TDY in a helmet bag. Toiletry kit, clean socks and scivs, workout sh1t, jeans and a polo, laptop, photo of the bride, and a spare flight suit. Anything else was excess weight that burned gas.

did you upgrade your luggage for business travel, or roll a Brooks Brothers suit into that thing?

[Jay Bee]

It's been a while since I traveled regularly for work. Many things have changed and are no longer applicable. And some of these I just heard from others. I dislike traveling for the most part. It was fun when I was young, but couldn't do it nonstop again in my old age.

- Always check under the mattress in your hotel room for porn.
    Current day: I guess bring.. a chromecast with your iphone or computer and watch dirt that way?

- Get downstairs early for happy hour if your hotel offers it. They'll let you start early and end late. The snacks usually suck, but the beer is fine. You will also often meet chicks down there who are ready to booze and have fun.

- Bring a bag/briefcase of some sort down to the breakfast buffet or get a female co-worker to help. You may not feel like eating 4 bagels, a few yogurts and dry cereal right now, but later in the day you will. Take them!

- Leave early for your trip home. Really early. None of this "I'll leave the client at 2pm so I can get to the airport in time for my 4:30 flight"... I'm talking about 10am you're heading to the airport for a 3pm flight. Have a few drinks, get some work done, meet some dames. Nothing worse than missing a later flight or having it delayed at the end of the week.

- Mix some mean drinks before flying (no longer applicable). Fill up some gatorade bottles with vodka drinks and carry them on.

- Fly Midwest Express when possible (old days again). Comfortable seats, cookies and they will keep re-filling your cup with their crappy wine if you ask nicely.

- Get your shoes shined. Some of those dudes are really good and it's a good time killer.

- Pack like a man. Why would you be checking a bag?

- Go out with co-workers and clients. Work hard, play hard (until you get to some point in your 30's and become an old man).

- If you're into tipping housekeeping, do it early on in your stay and not at the end. Many will do a better job and/or give you some candy. It's nice that you want to say, "thanks," but get something out of it as well!

- If you're young and you can fly in a friend for "free" instead of fly home for a weekend, do it. Young chicks find this super cool and will be down to fly to <name a city> for a couple days.

- Get a hotel room with a phone in the bathroom (no longer applicable). Great way to plan the night with your co worker who is in a room down the hall while you take care of biz.

- Get a hotel room with a fridge. Reliance on ice cube machines is for the poor.

- Don't sit on or touch the bed's comforter.

- If you forget ANYTHING, don't go out seeking it from stores in the area. First, ASK the front desk if they can hook you up at no cost. They usually can, even if it's a bigger $ item.

[GooooMarquette]

Noise canceling headphones.

And I agree with the suggestion above to also standardize the hotel chain if possible.  It's nice to get room upgrades, free concierge lounge access, etc.  And once I showed up at a hotel that was seriously overbooked.  After hearing the desk attendant apologize to two people and giving them info about getting to the alternative hotel, I stepped to the desk to be handed a key to an upgraded room...and an apology for having to wait in line.

[warriorchick]

People who check luggage for a trip that is less than 4-5 days don't know how to pack.  jsglow and I once went on a 9-day vacation with only carry-ons. If you are going to need a sportcoat or suit jacket at some point on the trip, wear it onto the plane.

Wear slip-on shoes and if possible, keep your belt, wallet, watch, etc. in your bag until after you get past security.

Join the rewards program at your rental car company of choice so you can walk to your car and drive off.  Nothing more annoying than standing in line, and then getting hassled about the optional insurance.

Keep a quart-size baggie full of travel-sized toiletries in your carry-on, plus a toothbrush, comb, razor, etc. That way you never have to worry about forgetting to pack that stuff.  If you have a spare,  keep a phone charger in there as well.

If you have to eat by yourself, sit at the bar.  You can meet some really interesting people, and if not, the bartender will talk to you. 

[keefe]

If you have to eat by yourself, sit at the bar, and wear your leather flight jacket with the sh1t hot patches.  You won't be alone for long...and the bartender will feed free drinks to you and your ...friend

[Dr. Blackheart]

Advil PM washed down with a Bloody Mary puts you down for the count.  Don't really want to hear the seatmate's life story...and four hours of slumber makes me good to go upon landing.

Wear your sansabelts through security so I don't have to wait for the five times it takes for you to remember you have a belt on.

Knee pads for when your five year old jams back his seat in front of me twelve times in a row.

Snore guard for airplane is a common courtesy.  Sleep apnea is a disease.  Treat it, don't share it.

Place your luggage on the provided hotel rack to avoid the bed bugs crawling in off the floor. Store dirty laundry in air tight plastic bags to deprive them of oxygen for the return trip.

Don't drop your well oversized carry on on my head because you were too cheap to check it and not strong enough to lift it.

Headphones so I don't have to listen to the pilot drone on about the flight plan details when I could be sleeping.  I know where I am going and that you will be late.

Yes, that is your fat protruding on my seat.  Please remove it.

No, you cannot switch from your middle sit to my aisle seat.  And no, you cannot put your third bag in my foot compartment.

Neck pillow and eye blinders...if only to freak your seatmates out.  Guaranteed not to get bothered.

[keefe]

Noise canceling headphones.

It must have been '08 but i took some Bose headphones to A Stan and, inside the wire, looked to the sky and said three words: Thank you, God. From that moment forward i was saved from young men arguing about the most inane sh1t, gansta rap, and the incessant random noises of life in a cantonment. 

certainly one of Amar Bose's masterpieces.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

People who check luggage for a trip that is less than 4-5 days don't know how to pack.  jsglow and I once went on a 9-day vacation with only carry-ons. If you are going to need a sportcoat or suit jacket at some point on the trip, wear it onto the plane.

This is something it took me too long to learn. For my first 4 years I'd put way too many miles on a garment bag. Once you realize that you can properly pack a suit in a carryon, your life changes forever.

[reinko]

Was an interesting article in the Times a few years back, it argued that airlines should charge for folks to carry on, and check bags for free, thus getting people on and off much faster, to cut down on delays...

[keefe]

Was an interesting article in the Times a few years back, it argued that airlines should charge for folks to carry on, and check bags for free, thus getting people on and off much faster, to cut down on delays...

A core metric for airlines is asset utilization. They analyze turn rates with vengeance. Anything that will get a tail airborne faster should be incentivized - crew, ground staff, and passengers 

[GGGG]

A core metric for airlines is asset utilization. They analyze turn rates with vengeance. Anything that will get a tail airborne faster should be incentivized - crew, ground staff, and passengers 

Right.  So my guess is that airlines *want* passengers to carry on their own bags because...

1. It is cheaper than having someone else move the bags, and...

2. It is more time efficient to deal with a longer passenger loading time than tracking and loading checked bags.

[JWags85]

Was an interesting article in the Times a few years back, it argued that airlines should charge for folks to carry on, and check bags for free, thus getting people on and off much faster, to cut down on delays...

What takes longer is not people carrying on, its the pretty boys who knowingly carry on bags far too large knowing at very worst they will just have it checked at the gate.  Other than budget airlines, most major airlines won't charge you for that and it slows everything down, whether its trying to shove it in an overhead it clearly doesn't fit in, or the rigamarole at the gate.

[jsglow]

A core metric for airlines is asset utilization. They analyze turn rates with vengeance. Anything that will get a tail airborne faster should be incentivized - crew, ground staff, and passengers 

LUV's business model.  Unfortunately in 2013-2014 they over optimized and ended up with a mess on their hands.

[warriorchick]

Was an interesting article in the Times a few years back, it argued that airlines should charge for folks to carry on, and check bags for free, thus getting people on and off much faster, to cut down on delays...

If you have ever been at O'Hare or Midway at 1 a.m., staring at a luggage carousel for 30 minutes waiting for it to start moving, you would avoid checking baggage at all costs.

[keefe]

If you have ever been at O'Hare or Midway at 1 a.m., staring at a luggage carousel for 30 minutes waiting for it to start moving, you would avoid checking baggage at all costs.

Yet another reason I went to flight school!

[WellsstreetWanderer]

       On my second set of Bose noise-cancelling HPs.

       TSA Precheck and Global Entry are the only way to go

        I pack my bag like my backpack, lite and essentials only

        Hotel and rental car programs take the surprises out when you get there. A few years ago I arrived in Portland and they were LITERALLY OUT of cars. They said they had cars coming down from Seattle. Told them I didn't care I had reserved a car and it should have been open and waiting for me.  5 minutes later I was driving an Escalade on the freeway.  Hotel room and rental upgrades are the order of the day.

        Water only on flights and c ompression socks for me on flights over 2hrs.

        And be nice to the flight crew. They have to work while I sit.

[jesmu84]

Right.  So my guess is that airlines *want* passengers to carry on their own bags because...

1. It is cheaper than having someone else move the bags, and...

2. It is more time efficient to deal with a longer passenger loading time than tracking and loading checked bags.

As I learned during one delay in my days traveling...

If airlines figure out they have extra cargo space below, they lease it out to companies and ship packages for them - be it individual corporations, UPS, Fedex, whomever. So, add to your list, that they can make even more money if people carry-on so they can sell out the cargo space below.

[keefe]

       compression socks for me on flights over 2hrs.

How the hell old are you???

[chapman]

Rack up airline miles / hotel points if possible.

Not only don't bring a checked bag, but try to get everything to fit into your one item.  It's that much better to not have to lug around a coat, laptop bag, etc. if you don't have to.

Shoes are the worst for luggage.  Heavy, bulky, usually want to put in their own compartment of the bag.  If at all possible, go with the pair on your feet.  If you have to pack an extra pair, maybe something like light gym shoes (like Nike Free).

Learn to use smartphone apps.  People worry too much about getting their boarding passes printed or just digging up the e-mail to get them, not knowing if the flight is on time, finding the hotel or rental car confirmation number.  So much easier to have a couple phone apps set on their own dedicated shortcut tab than to print, dig through, find papers.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

If you have ever been at O'Hare or Midway at 1 a.m., staring at a luggage carousel for 30 minutes waiting for it to start moving, you would avoid checking baggage at all costs.

Especially if its not even your own luggage. Picked up my ex from the airport one time. Her flight was delayed, luggage took forever and she had a pretty small bag. I was pretty upset.

[JWags85]

Learn to use smartphone apps.  People worry too much about getting their boarding passes printed or just digging up the e-mail to get them, not knowing if the flight is on time, finding the hotel or rental car confirmation number.  So much easier to have a couple phone apps set on their own dedicated shortcut tab than to print, dig through, find papers.

Can't stress this enough.  I fly primarily United for pleasure, but have the Delta and American apps on my phone for various work trips.  Getting boarding passes, updates, and easy check in makes it a no-brainer.  I recently was on a two-leg flight in which seats were assigned at the gates and I had a paper boarding pass for each.  It was awful comparatively.  Even with Virgin America, who doesn't have an app, I go online and get the boarding pass to import into Passbook.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

BTW picked up a Briggs & Riley Baseline carryon

http://www.briggs-riley.com/shop/collections/baseline/domestic-carry-on-expandable-upright

Legitimately excellent. The lifetime complete warranty is a big deal; no longer worry about any damage to the luggage, but it is build so solidly I'd be hard-pressed to crack the handle chassis with a tank.

Consider it a cautious recommendation to those in the market!

[WarriorInNYC]

Skimmed through this somewhat quickly, but figured I'd share my thoughts as I travel nonstop for work (last calendar year spent 227 nights in hotel rooms).

Flights - stick with one airline - this also means paying a little extra for a personal flight when you have them.  those additional miles and segments add up and really count when you are trying to make the next status level.  Never check a bag.  Simple.  Get Global Entry if you can.  Some employers will reimburse you for it, gets you Precheck everytime and traveling back to the US is a breeze through customs.  If you like drinking on planes but dont wanna shell out the dough for it, buy those mini-alcohol bottles yourself and carry them on.  Order a ginger ale on the flight for free and add your Jack.  They are under the 3oz size.  Just dont let the flight attendant catch you.  Flying morning/late at night, book a window seat as its easier to sleep.  Mid-day, grab the aisle for more leg room, always try and get the exit row if you can.  Someone else mentioned it earlier as well, always be respectful of flight attendants.  Before precheck existed, I always wore shoes that were easy to slip in and out of as well as used a laptop bag that had the extra middle zipper so you didnt have to take the computer out.

Hotels - again, stick with one chain.  My favorite is SPG properties.  They are generally available in all cities, rates are reasonable, and the hotels are nice.  SPG points are well known to have the most value for any reward point.  I'm also a fan of Hyatts.  To me, the nicest hotels and friendliest staff hands down.  Generally the rates are a little bit higher and they aren't quite as available in some of the smaller cities.  If eating at the hotel bar/restaurant, always put it on your room and then itemize later.  Extra points.  Make sure you always register for the hotel promotions, extra points.  Link you hotel/airline accounts.  Marriott/United and SPG/Delta provide reciprocal status as well as additional benefits.

If anything ever goes wrong on a flight/hotel stay that isn't weather related or unavoidable by the staff.  Complain.  Always, always complain.  Easiest way to get more points and miles.

Also, I second the Briggs and Riley luggage.  I've had one for 3 years now with nonstop travel and finally have a little tear in it.  Gonna take it in for a new one.  The way the warranty was explained to me was that I could take an axe to my suitcase, go to the store, tell the guy that I took an axe to it, and I would still get a new one to replace it.

[Sir Lawrence]

Also, I second the Briggs and Riley luggage.  I've had one for 3 years now with nonstop travel and finally have a little tear in it.  Gonna take it in for a new one.  The way the warranty was explained to me was that I could take an axe to my suitcase, go to the store, tell the guy that I took an axe to it, and I would still get a new one to replace it.

Third the Briggs & Riley.   Have the same model Grayson referenced.  Just a wonderfully designed piece of luggage.  It's 22" high/SWA allows 24".  Was surprised, however, on a SWA flight to Ft. Myers in February that it didn't fit in the overhead wheels in first.  That's the first time it had to be placed sideways.  Boeing 737-300. 

[jsglow]

Skimmed through this somewhat quickly, but figured I'd share my thoughts as I travel nonstop for work (last calendar year spent 227 nights in hotel rooms).

Flights - stick with one airline - this also means paying a little extra for a personal flight when you have them.  those additional miles and segments add up and really count when you are trying to make the next status level.  Never check a bag.  Simple.  Get Global Entry if you can.  Some employers will reimburse you for it, gets you Precheck everytime and traveling back to the US is a breeze through customs.  If you like drinking on planes but dont wanna shell out the dough for it, buy those mini-alcohol bottles yourself and carry them on.  Order a ginger ale on the flight for free and add your Jack.  They are under the 3oz size.  Just dont let the flight attendant catch you.  Flying morning/late at night, book a window seat as its easier to sleep.  Mid-day, grab the aisle for more leg room, always try and get the exit row if you can.  Someone else mentioned it earlier as well, always be respectful of flight attendants.  Before precheck existed, I always wore shoes that were easy to slip in and out of as well as used a laptop bag that had the extra middle zipper so you didnt have to take the computer out.

Hotels - again, stick with one chain.  My favorite is SPG properties.  They are generally available in all cities, rates are reasonable, and the hotels are nice.  SPG points are well known to have the most value for any reward point.  I'm also a fan of Hyatts.  To me, the nicest hotels and friendliest staff hands down.  Generally the rates are a little bit higher and they aren't quite as available in some of the smaller cities.  If eating at the hotel bar/restaurant, always put it on your room and then itemize later.  Extra points.  Make sure you always register for the hotel promotions, extra points.  Link you hotel/airline accounts.  Marriott/United and SPG/Delta provide reciprocal status as well as additional benefits.

If anything ever goes wrong on a flight/hotel stay that isn't weather related or unavoidable by the staff.  Complain.  Always, always complain.  Easiest way to get more points and miles.

Also, I second the Briggs and Riley luggage.  I've had one for 3 years now with nonstop travel and finally have a little tear in it.  Gonna take it in for a new one.  The way the warranty was explained to me was that I could take an axe to my suitcase, go to the store, tell the guy that I took an axe to it, and I would still get a new one to replace it.

Wow. How long have you done this?  Do you even maintain a 'home'?  Did you ever meet John Candy on the road and did he sell you shower curtain rings?

[WarriorInNYC]

Wow. How long have you done this?  Do you even maintain a 'home'?  Did you ever meet John Candy on the road and did he sell you shower curtain rings?

Ha.  Yeah, I actually pay stupid rent in Manhattan while spending 2/3 of the year somewhere else.  I've been doing this since graduating really, almost 5 years now.

Unfortunately there have been no John Candy sightings.

[WarriorFan]

Good thread... my $0.10

I'm a 200 night per year traveller.  I commute from a non-US country to my family in another country and keep a place in the states to "chill" whenever required.

Airlines:  DONT standardize.  Once I get platinum on one carrier, I switch to another.  Usually I can get platinum on 2 carriers per year to add to my lifetime platinum on American.  Plus, if you can be platinum on OneWorld with one airline, Star Alliance with another and Sky Team with yet another, you get the benefits with every airline except Emirates.

Airports:  They are different... pick and choose.  For example, when I go east/west, I use the middle eastern carriers, but never Emirates not because the airlines sucks (it does) but because the airport is terrible in Dubai.  I don't like 30 minute walks to my gate.  I use Qatar or Etihad.  If I need to go through S.E. Asia, Singapore airport is like heaven.  Bangkok is closer to hell.  In Tokyo, Haneda is  so much nicer than Narita. 

Hotels:  Same rule as airlines.  Once you've reached max status, or a good level (Marriott gold for example gets you what you need - free internet and breakfast, so Marriott Platinum is nothing special) then get status with another chain.

Credit Cards:  I use American/Citibank and Marriott/Chase.  Helps build up points quicker and gives status and lounge access.

Uber:  Love it.  Have used it in Perth, Sydney, Moscow, Amsterdam and Singapore in the last 6 weeks.  It's not cheap but it's good. 

Rental Cars:  Take photos before and after.  Many overseas rental car companies will hit you with damage charges just to make some extra cash.  I've been hit with this 10's of times... from Hertz and Avis mostly.  Photos always solve the problem.   It's a scam, but easily beatable.  Usually as soon as they know you have photos they drop any claim. 

Insurance:  I have a special insurance for "non-owned" vehicle, which means I can drive anything owned by anyone and I'm insured.  I also have a global exec insurance that covers extortion, kidnap, etc.  If you go to weird places you need this stuff.  Don't assume your company is going to look after you.

Cities:  Jog them in the morning looking for places to try in the evening.  I jog at 5am.  Rule 1 is that if people are still spilling out of the place at 5am I'm not going there in the evening!

Biz class:  I made a decision about 7 years ago to fly only business class.  At my own expense when the company won't pay.  My view = Sanity is worth the $15k/year extra it costs.  There's a lot of good cheap business class out there if you look.  Plus, I used to get sick all the time from flying economy... now I rarely catch anything.

On board:  Earbuds (smaller than over the ear and still noise canceling, plus you can sleep on your side), Qatar airlines eye shade, and pajamas for long flights.  Compression socks for anything over 5 hours.  (and I'm not old) 

Alcohol:  Only when leaving India on the midnight flights.  A bottle of water is a must for every flight. 

Luggage:  Never check bags.  I can go up to 2 weeks with the maximum legal size carry-on and hotels with good laundry service.  I plan my laundry days and pack accordingly.  It's tough when going north/south and packing for summer and winter but I still make it work. 

[WarriorInNYC]

Airlines:  DONT standardize.  Once I get platinum on one carrier, I switch to another.  Usually I can get platinum on 2 carriers per year to add to my lifetime platinum on American.  Plus, if you can be platinum on OneWorld with one airline, Star Alliance with another and Sky Team with yet another, you get the benefits with every airline except Emirates.

This really depends on what type of travel you do.  Sounds like you do a lot of international travel, so you can pull it off.  For example, I do quite a bit of travel, but usually shorter domestic flights, so sticking to United for me and I barely make Platinum in the year.

Airports:  They are different... pick and choose.  For example, when I go east/west, I use the middle eastern carriers, but never Emirates not because the airlines sucks (it does) but because the airport is terrible in Dubai.  I don't like 30 minute walks to my gate.  I use Qatar or Etihad.  If I need to go through S.E. Asia, Singapore airport is like heaven.  Bangkok is closer to hell.  In Tokyo, Haneda is  so much nicer than Narita. 

One point I'll bring up regarding airports, is they will have a big impact on the airline you choose and stick with.  Example, Dallas and Miami would be American, Denver or Houston would be United.  Cities like NY, DC, Chicago can be multiple different airlines as they are very busy.

Hotels:  Same rule as airlines.  Once you've reached max status, or a good level (Marriott gold for example gets you what you need - free internet and breakfast, so Marriott Platinum is nothing special) then get status with another chain.

Hotels are the easiest to standardize.  Especially since most hotel chains offer a status challenge.  I try every year to make top levels in SPG and Hyatt and if I have the opportunity to, will go for Marriott as well.  SPG offers a Platinum challenge if you stay with them 18 nights over a 90 night window.  Hyatt does the same thing for 12 nights over a 60 night window, but you must prove that you already have top status elsewhere.  One year my travel wasn't quite as heavy so I made Marriott platinum on regular nights, then SPG platinum on the challenge, then Hyatt diamond on the challenge.  To me personally, Hyatt and SPG top status are better than Marriott as they offer suite upgrades you can use and you are more likely to be upgraded to nicer rooms than when staying with Marriott.

[keefe]

did you upgrade your luggage for business travel, or roll a Brooks Brothers suit into that thing?

In my suit wearing days it was Boss and Armani. The helmet bag should easily secure one suit. There are two pockets outside which are ideal for Allen Edmonds footwear. There are two internal pockets for Kent & Curwen neck ties. No need for a dress shirt - bare chested always makes a statement, especially with repp neckwear.

[naginiF]

     
        And be nice to the flight crew. They have to work while I sit.

Not only second this but take it a step further if you are traveling on a predictable schedule (Mon out, Fri home, same city) and learn the names of the flight crew and hotel personnel.  Their shifts/schedules usually last a month and the little extra nice is usually repaid.  Can't tell you the number of free drinks plus some comped rooms, club VIP hookups, etc.

On the check vs carry on, unless it's first flight out or last flight in, i usually check.  i'm admittedly not a good packer and have never figured out how to pack running shoes and running clothes in a carry on without grossing everything else up.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Not only second this but take it a step further if you are traveling on a predictable schedule (Mon out, Fri home, same city) and learn the names of the flight crew and hotel personnel.  Their shifts/schedules usually last a month and the little extra nice is usually repaid.  Can't tell you the number of free drinks plus some comped rooms, club VIP hookups, etc.

On the check vs carry on, unless it's first flight out or last flight in, i usually check.  i'm admittedly not a good packer and have never figured out how to pack running shoes and running clothes in a carry on without grossing everything else up.

Without knowledge of exactly what you're packing for, I'll just say I've gotten way more efficient with a B&R carry-on with built-in suiter and two shoe bags to keep dirt/etc off my clothing.

[keefe]

never figured out how to pack running shoes and running clothes in a carry on without grossing everything else up.

Take a back pack in addition to the carry on. Patagonia makes gear that won't soak up the stink.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Take a back pack in addition to the carry on. Patagonia makes gear that won't soak up the stink.

one thing I don't get about backpacks is how many guys on suits I'll see wearing these things for a flight. Doesn't that wrench your suit jacket?

Might be awesome and functional but looks like you're a little kid visiting dad at work.

[GGGG]

one thing I don't get about backpacks is how many guys on suits I'll see wearing these things for a flight. Doesn't that wrench your suit jacket?

Might be awesome and functional but looks like you're a little kid visiting dad at work.

It doesn't wrench my suit jacket.  I do probably look a little odd, but it simply fits more than a computer shoulder bag. 

[WarriorInNYC]

The thing I dislike about backpacks are the guys that board flights and dont realize the backpack and the straps on it are extensions to themselves.

I can't count how many times I've been sitting in an aisle seat and have been whacked in the face with a backpack or its strap by some guy turning around to talk to the person behind them, put other bag in the overhead, etc.

[keefe]

Doesn't that wrench your suit jacket?

Suits?? There are no suits in Seattle!

[WellsstreetWanderer]

The thing I dislike about backpacks are the guys that board flights and dont realize the backpack and the straps on it are extensions to themselves.

I can't count how many times I've been sitting in an aisle seat and have been whacked in the face with a backpack or its strap by some guy turning around to talk to the person behind them, put other bag in the overhead, etc.

  Ditto!  One of my pet peeves on an airplane is these oblivious morons. Happens virtually on every flight I take. But if my Tumi wasn't 25 years old and didn't wash up like new I would be rolling with one myself. I would take it off before boarding the plane , though

[WarriorInNYC]

  Ditto!  One of my pet peeves on an airplane is these oblivious morons. Happens virtually on every flight I take. But if my Tumi wasn't 25 years old and didn't wash up like new I would be rolling with one myself. I would take it off before boarding the plane , though

Oh yeah, I have nothing wrong with backpacks.  It just seems more often than not, those that continue to wear them while boarding completely forget that they are wearing them, and then smack people in the face while turning about.

[ATL MU Warrior]

Oh yeah, I have nothing wrong with backpacks.  It just seems more often than not, those that continue to wear them while boarding completely forget that they are wearing them, and then smack people in the face while turning about.

In my experience that is not limited to backpacks.  Purses, computer bags, suitcases, etc.

Of course, I am tall so if I can't get a seat in the Exit Row, I always sit in the aisle so I can stretch out at least one leg.  Maybe I just protrude out into the aisle too much.

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

It doesn't wrench my suit jacket.  I do probably look a little odd, but it simply fits more than a computer shoulder bag. 

meant to say wreck... Seriously no impact by having a full carryon's weight on your suit shoulders?

[GGGG]

meant to say wreck... Seriously no impact by having a full carryon's weight on your suit shoulders?

No.  I usually don't wear a suit jacket on the plane though.

[WarriorInNYC]

In my experience that is not limited to backpacks.  Purses, computer bags, suitcases, etc.

Of course, I am tall so if I can't get a seat in the Exit Row, I always sit in the aisle so I can stretch out at least one leg.  Maybe I just protrude out into the aisle too much.

Yeah, you are right.  Its not just limited to backpacks.  It seems like when people travel, they lose all sense of surroundings.  I just find backpacks to generally be the worst.

[muwarrior69]

Whew! I am glad I am retired.

[MU82]

I was a total Marriott whore. I agree with those who like the SPG hotel, but my company was a little cheapish and I usually could get better deals with Marriott properties. And Marriotts and Renaissances almost always were nice enough for me. Every once in a while, if I could get a decent price, I'd treat myself to a JW Marriott.

I was Marriott Platinum for years but haven't done any business traveling since 2009 and haven't done all that much personal traveling since then, either. For whatever reason, Marriott made me Lifetime Platinum a couple years ago, and I still have 500K points. I guard them as if they are gold because I want to get max value from them now that I don't have them coming in very much any more.

I don't miss some of the crazy travel schedules I used to have, but I do miss the points!

[Chicos' Buzz Scandal Countdown]

Side note: sitting on a plane when larger lady comes on swinging bags and elbows around to put them in the overhead... Nearly gave me a shiner. Sat down behind means now breaking out bags and bags of snacks. It's a 1:30 flight from D.C. to Chicago

[WellsstreetWanderer]

Takes  a lot of calories to keep her full figure. Worst flight I had regarding food was when we took off and Orthodox Jewish family in row behind unwrapped their onion bagel sandwiches

[MU82]

Takes  a lot of calories to keep her full figure. Worst flight I had regarding food was when we took off and Orthodox Jewish family in row behind unwrapped their onion bagel sandwiches

Oy gevalt!

[keefe]

Takes  a lot of calories to keep her full figure. Worst flight I had regarding food was when we took off and Orthodox Jewish family in row behind unwrapped their onion bagel sandwiches

I bought a large bag of dried salted squid to enjoy on a transpac flight from Asia back to the States. As soon as the flight attendant brought me an ice cold Kirin I tucked into my seafood snack with great relish. I was watching a movie with headphones so I was oblivious to the white people complaining about the aroma of dried squid. All I knew was my wife grabbed the offending bag suddenly on her way forward to the galley where she threw it away. When she came back to the seat she said, "What the hell's wrong with you? That stuff really stinks."   

[WellsstreetWanderer]

I bought a large bag of dried salted squid to enjoy on a transpac flight from Asia back to the States. As soon as the flight attendant brought me an ice cold Kirin I tucked into my seafood snack with great relish. I was watching a movie with headphones so I was oblivious to the white people complaining about the aroma of dried squid. All I knew was my wife grabbed the offending bag suddenly on her way forward to the galley where she threw it away. When she came back to the seat she said, "What the hell's wrong with you? That stuff really stinks."   

   I am reliving the scene where a Hawaiian friend gave me a bag of that "stuff" I almost gagged when I opened it and it was all I could do to chew  a few. When I am there we always go to some place with exotic and have local fare that I have never tried. The Dried shrimp and cuttlefish bested me.

[keefe]

   I am reliving the scene where a Hawaiian friend gave me a bag of that "stuff" I almost gagged when I opened it and it was all I could do to chew  a few. When I am there we always go to some place with exotic and have local fare that I have never tried. The Dried shrimp and cuttlefish bested me.

When you drink in a traditional Japanese bar they put a bowl with dried squid, wasabi peas, and osenbe in front of you as you take your seat. It is the Japanese equivalent of salted peanuts or popcorn.

Personally, I like dried squid and i put dried shrimp on steamed rice and in other dishes (dried shrimp tends to be more common in Chinese cuisines.) But dried seafood does carry with it a pronounced odor which, for Caucasians, can be off-putting.

I cook with balachan, nam pla, nuoc mam, and other dried seafood flavorings that, are pungent as stand alone items but are essential ingredients in compelling Asian fare.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Camel balls in the desert, blowfish and the ovum of a Tokyo river fish. Wash it down with what you have, especially if ther are tentacles involved. 

Monkey brains are another story.

[WarriorFan]

I bought a large bag of dried salted squid to enjoy on a transpac flight from Asia back to the States. As soon as the flight attendant brought me an ice cold Kirin I tucked into my seafood snack with great relish. I was watching a movie with headphones so I was oblivious to the white people complaining about the aroma of dried squid. All I knew was my wife grabbed the offending bag suddenly on her way forward to the galley where she threw it away. When she came back to the seat she said, "What the hell's wrong with you? That stuff really stinks."   

I stopped flying Korean Airlines a few years back because they used to run into things a bit too frequently for my liking... but they actually served Kimchi on the plane. Couldn't handle it.  Had to sit in the loo until the dinner service was finished.  It smelled better in there!

[MU82]

I bought a large bag of dried salted squid to enjoy on a transpac flight from Asia back to the States. As soon as the flight attendant brought me an ice cold Kirin I tucked into my seafood snack with great relish. I was watching a movie with headphones so I was oblivious to the white people complaining about the aroma of dried squid. All I knew was my wife grabbed the offending bag suddenly on her way forward to the galley where she threw it away. When she came back to the seat she said, "What the hell's wrong with you? That stuff really stinks."   

I STILL have an unopened bag of octopus jerky I got when I was in Japan for the 1998 Olympics. I like to gross out people (especially kids) by showing it to them.

[warriorchick]

I stopped flying Korean Airlines a few years back because they used to run into things a bit too frequently for my liking... but they actually served Kimchi on the plane. Couldn't handle it.  Had to sit in the loo until the dinner service was finished.  It smelled better in there!

Too bad....their current commercials look amazing...

[keefe]

I stopped flying Korean Airlines a few years back because they used to run into things a bit too frequently for my liking... but they actually served Kimchi on the plane. Couldn't handle it.  Had to sit in the loo until the dinner service was finished.  It smelled better in there!

I spent most of my life living in Asia and I loved every weird place in Wuhan, Petaling Jaya, and Mindanao. But Korea was always a place I dreaded. In both my USAF and corporate lives I would look at trips to Korea as comparable to a proctologist visit.

The climate is harsh, the people can be harsher, and the food is garlic with a little meat or veg thrown in for seasoning. I have flown KAL a very few times and would not even recommend it to a Taliban chieftain. Asia has so many superb flag carriers: SQ, CX, JAL, ANA, Thai are stellar. KAL and China Air are on most expats Do Not Fly lists.