Getting to LOS in one piece, tips for surviving the flight

[ricktoronto]

On 1/20/2018 at 21:30, aflyfisher said:

If you are in any situation in life where you are trapped by a pain in the ass stranger that wants to have a long conversation, find a way to tell them you are in the life insurance business.....conversation OVER...  I actually am so I'm speaking from experience:-)

Until you discover he's an insurance agent/broker then you look like a numpty since you know absolutely nothing.

Politely say you really don't feel like having a conversation and remind yourself that you will likely never see them again.

This is why Business and First Class exist, by the way. 

[blue1878]

I've been flying to Thailand a long time and over the years I have changed the way I travel.  And I have a routine that is good for me but at same time I am always looking at ways of making my travel experiance better.  I have to fly from Manchester England to Thailand. From Manchester there are no direct flights.

Booking a Flight

So I've always booked flights where I am in Transit at one airport.  Some flights you find online have two stops so your in transit two times.  This means you have to go through 3 security checks and board 3 planes.  A journey from Manchester is long enough without going through 3 security checks and on and off 3 flights.

I also look for flights which includes a short transit time. I've seen some flights where you are in Transit for 8 hours.  I'd hate to book flights were I am stuck in a transit airport for 8 hours.

When I book my flights I always book my seats at the same time.  For me I prefer having an aisle and an aisle seat has near to the front of economy as possible.  The reason for an aisle seat is that I am not disturbing anybody when I get up to go the toilet.  I don't mind fly but when my flight has ended I like to get of the plane as soon as possible.  So if I am at the front of economy I will be one of the first people to get off the plane.  A number of reasons for this and one of my reasons is after a long journey I dont want to be at the back of the plane waiting a long time to disembark.

Between Booking flights and date of flying

(1) I like to go online and book a fast track ticket for Manchester airport.  When you go to the airport after checking in there is normally a long queue to go through security before entering the terminal proper.  So I like to pay for a fast track ticket which means I can walk down a dedicated lane which gets me to security very quickly.  The last time I flew it only cost me £5

(2) When you get to Bangkok airport there is normally a long queue at immigration.  At it can take a little time to get to the front.  So before my most recent trip I went online and booked with BFS to be fast tracked through immigration.  And it was great not queueing.  And I was the first one from my plane waiting for my luggage so I was able to choose where I stood.  It wasnt cheap it cost me £21 but I'll do it again

Manchester airport

At the beginning of my journey I normally have something to eat before I go to the airport.  I also like to get to the airport 3 hours before I fly.  After checking in and got through security some people like to go in a Business Lounge.  If you want to go in a Business Lounge I think it's cheaper to go online and pay in advance because I think its cheaper.  I've been in Business Lounges a few times but nowadays I prefer not to use them.  I'm a Cask Bitter drinker and you can only get cans of lager in the lounges.  I prefer to go to an airport bar and chill out there before a flight and have my last couple of pints of Cask Bitter before going to Thailand where I have to drink lager all the time. Or at least most of the time.

Boarding the plane

If I can I like to be one of the first to board my plane.  One of the reasons for this is because this means I can make sure I can put my hand luggage in the overhead locker directly above me,  I have seen people who have got on late not able to put there hand luggage directly above them

In Transit

When I land at the transit airport as I have already mentioned I like to get off the plane quickly. And being at the front of economy helps.  One of the reasons for this means I am one of the first to get to the security check. And being one of the first means I can quickly get through security quickly and into the Terminal proper where I can go and relax before my onward flight

Next flight

Like my first flight I try to be one of the first to board and as mentioned this means I can make sure my hand luggage is directly above me.  And I can sit and relax whilst others are still boarding

Landing at BKK airport

When you get off the plane I think its always best to show a little urgency and walk quickly to immigration.  Queues tend to be long at BKK immigration so the quicker you get there the quicker you get through,  So it might be an idea to think about paying to be fast tracked

Other info

When you make a booking it might be a good idea to Join that airlines Frequent Flyer programme. 

(1) if you fly with the same airline the next year and book your flights directly with them you can use the airmiles youve earned from your last flight to bring down the price

(2) I used to fly with etihad and when I flew with them I used to fly twice a year.  Flying with them twice a year meant they moved me from Bronze membership to Silver membership.  Silver membership meant when I checked in at the beginning of my journey they would give me a free fast track ticket to get through security quickly.  Also I got free access to Business lounges at Manchester, Abu Dhabi and Bangkok airports.  Plus I was able to use airmiles earned to bring down the price of my flights.  So its worth looking into joining an airlines Frequent Flyer programme

[stan jonathen]

I never put my carry on directly above my seat, I choose across diagonally, then I can always be in view of it. 

[blue1878]

On 29/06/2019 at 14:09, stan jonathen said:

I never put my carry on directly above my seat, I choose across diagonally, then I can always be in view of it. 

But surely if you put your hand luggage diagonally across from you then you still have to turn your head right or left to keep an eye on your hand luggage which isn't that much different from looking above you if you put your stuff directly above your seat    

[bangna]

I think if someone is rooting in the locker above your head you cannot be sure if they are in your bag or theirs. If it is opposite you have a view of their actions.

[thinkingallowed]

 

17 minutes ago, blue1878 said:

But surely if you put your hand luggage diagonally across from you then you still have to turn your head right or left to keep an eye on your hand luggage which isn't that much different from looking above you if you put your stuff directly above your seat    

 

8 minutes ago, bangna said:

I think if someone is rooting in the locker above your head you cannot be sure if they are in your bag or theirs. If it is opposite you have a view of their actions.

Or remember your handy periscope.

[hioctane]

What is in your hand luggage that is so valuable? I have anything of value on my body at all times!


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[hioctane]

I've been flying to Thailand a long time and over the years I have changed the way I travel.  And I have a routine that is good for me but at same time I am always looking at ways of making my travel experiance better.  I have to fly from Manchester England to Thailand. From Manchester there are no direct flights.
Booking a Flight
So I've always booked flights where I am in Transit at one airport.  Some flights you find online have two stops so your in transit two times.  This means you have to go through 3 security checks and board 3 planes.  A journey from Manchester is long enough without going through 3 security checks and on and off 3 flights.
I also look for flights which includes a short transit time. I've seen some flights where you are in Transit for 8 hours.  I'd hate to book flights were I am stuck in a transit airport for 8 hours.
When I book my flights I always book my seats at the same time.  For me I prefer having an aisle and an aisle seat has near to the front of economy as possible.  The reason for an aisle seat is that I am not disturbing anybody when I get up to go the toilet.  I don't mind fly but when my flight has ended I like to get of the plane as soon as possible.  So if I am at the front of economy I will be one of the first people to get off the plane.  A number of reasons for this and one of my reasons is after a long journey I dont want to be at the back of the plane waiting a long time to disembark.
Between Booking flights and date of flying
(1) I like to go online and book a fast track ticket for Manchester airport.  When you go to the airport after checking in there is normally a long queue to go through security before entering the terminal proper.  So I like to pay for a fast track ticket which means I can walk down a dedicated lane which gets me to security very quickly.  The last time I flew it only cost me £5
(2) When you get to Bangkok airport there is normally a long queue at immigration.  At it can take a little time to get to the front.  So before my most recent trip I went online and booked with BFS to be fast tracked through immigration.  And it was great not queueing.  And I was the first one from my plane waiting for my luggage so I was able to choose where I stood.  It wasnt cheap it cost me £21 but I'll do it again
Manchester airport
At the beginning of my journey I normally have something to eat before I go to the airport.  I also like to get to the airport 3 hours before I fly.  After checking in and got through security some people like to go in a Business Lounge.  If you want to go in a Business Lounge I think it's cheaper to go online and pay in advance because I think its cheaper.  I've been in Business Lounges a few times but nowadays I prefer not to use them.  I'm a Cask Bitter drinker and you can only get cans of lager in the lounges.  I prefer to go to an airport bar and chill out there before a flight and have my last couple of pints of Cask Bitter before going to Thailand where I have to drink lager all the time. Or at least most of the time.
Boarding the plane
If I can I like to be one of the first to board my plane.  One of the reasons for this is because this means I can make sure I can put my hand luggage in the overhead locker directly above me,  I have seen people who have got on late not able to put there hand luggage directly above them
In Transit
When I land at the transit airport as I have already mentioned I like to get off the plane quickly. And being at the front of economy helps.  One of the reasons for this means I am one of the first to get to the security check. And being one of the first means I can quickly get through security quickly and into the Terminal proper where I can go and relax before my onward flight
Next flight
Like my first flight I try to be one of the first to board and as mentioned this means I can make sure my hand luggage is directly above me.  And I can sit and relax whilst others are still boarding
Landing at BKK airport
When you get off the plane I think its always best to show a little urgency and walk quickly to immigration.  Queues tend to be long at BKK immigration so the quicker you get there the quicker you get through,  So it might be an idea to think about paying to be fast tracked
Other info
When you make a booking it might be a good idea to Join that airlines Frequent Flyer programme. 
(1) if you fly with the same airline the next year and book your flights directly with them you can use the airmiles youve earned from your last flight to bring down the price
(2) I used to fly with etihad and when I flew with them I used to fly twice a year.  Flying with them twice a year meant they moved me from Bronze membership to Silver membership.  Silver membership meant when I checked in at the beginning of my journey they would give me a free fast track ticket to get through security quickly.  Also I got free access to Business lounges at Manchester, Abu Dhabi and Bangkok airports.  Plus I was able to use airmiles earned to bring down the price of my flights.  So its worth looking into joining an airlines Frequent Flyer programme

Some good tips.

Couple of comments:
- If one immigration area is busy, go to the other one. Usually no line.
- Get in the priority pass program. Access to lots of lounges worldwide. It comes free with some credit cards.
- I find it doesn’t matter if you sit on the front or back. The slowdown is still waiting for your luggage to come out... Unless you only do hand luggage.


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[blue1878]

3 hours ago, hioctane said:

 

Some good tips.

Couple of comments:
- If one immigration area is busy, go to the other one. Usually no line.
- Get in the priority pass program. Access to lots of lounges worldwide. It comes free with some credit cards.
- I find it doesn’t matter if you sit on the front or back. The slowdown is still waiting for your luggage to come out... Unless you only do hand luggage.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Hi hioctane some good points 

(1) About immigration I believe you are correct

(2) This might seem strange but nowadays I'm not to bothered about free access to lounges.  When I was a frequent flyer with Etihad I managed to get to Silver status with them which meant free access to lounges at Manchester, Abu Dhabi and Bangkok airports.  And for a little while I used the lounges but then stopped.  The reason being is that in the terminals I like to drink draught beer and the lounges only had cans of beer.  Strange I know but I am happy to buy draught lager (aloy) rather than drink lager from cans

(3)I know that I might have to wait a long time to wait for my luggage at the carousel but I prefer being one of the first from my flight to get to the carousel.  So that I can choose my spot whilst waiting for my suitcase

After many many years of flying I like to have a routine

[popeyesretreat]

On 27/06/2008 at 05:02, LaaMok said:

Great post, the biggest problem I have, is I get a hard on, the whole way to Pattaya, including the whole flight.

 

What do you recommend, a wank in any toilet available every 4 hours, or wear baggy jeans so a quick unnoticeable hand shuffle can occur?

So that is how you got in the mile high club. 

[popeyesretreat]

after reading this I know now that I am forgetting too much. But here is my list anyway. 

when I get ready to pack I forget something. I make sure to pack what would be too expensive to replace and I also make sure it doesn't take up too much room or weigh too much. Then I will just buy it when I get there.

1) Lap Top and cords

2) Shorts and T-Shirts

3) Flip flops and a few pair of tennis shoes ( why they call then Tennis Shoe as mine never see a tennis court)

4) other electronics and make sure you bring the cords

5) A box or 2 of my favorite rubbers (Depends on how long I will be staying)

6) Box of hard candies to eat on the plane

7) a magazine to read ( get a few Poker Mags from the casino FREE)

then if I ain't wearing it then I will not stress to remember it and when I forget it I will not ruin my trip. Cotton shorts flip flops and a Hawaiian shirt is what I wear. 

OH by the way eat 2 lemon drop editable to make the flight enjoyable. 

I also check my bag, do not like the inconvenience of caring a big bag. Take the risk of them losing it.

[bangna]

On 18/07/2019 at 18:25, hioctane said:

What is in your hand luggage that is so valuable? I have anything of value on my body at all times!


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10,000 Euros makes a bulge in your trousers

[hioctane]

10,000 Euros makes a bulge in your trousers

I put valuables in a zippered pocket on a thin jacket that I always wear... It can be a bit chilly on the plane. Lately, I started bringing a small sling bag. I would not feel comfortable leaving something valuable behind when I went to the bathroom.


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[blue1878]

Some new stuff I've started doing

(1) I fly from Manchester and always book an early morning flight.  Before I fly I go online and pay to be fast tracked through security.  Flying early there tends to be long queues for security.  So now after checking in I can quickly get through the security check and go into the Terminal and relax before boarding my plane

(2) After a long journey I no longer like queueing at immigration at BKK airport so I pay to be fast tracked.  So when my plane lands I am met a friendly thai who will walk with me to security and get me through very quickly.  And I am normally one of the very first persons off my flight to be waiting at the carousel waiting for my luggage

[eoj]

Which airline is the best to get to Thailand from SE Florida USA in the era of COVID thank for your help J