Travel hacks and advice

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Originally Posted by jm2e

I’ve never used a Club Lounge. I’ve never thought, “A $500/year credit card fee would have been worth it to get me in that club”. But I don’t fly a dozen times a year and when I do fly I try to keep layovers short. If I’ve got an hour, I get an over priced burger and a Starbucks and troll TGRz.
I have used the hourly hotels in Tokyo and Frankfurt for 4-6hr international layovers. Shit, shower, clean clothes, horizontal sleep are all way better than anything I imagine happening in the Club Lounges.


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Had lounge access back in the day when I was a road warrior and racking up 200k-300k year in FF miles. It's nice to have if you are traveling every week. Especially if you have a long layover or a flight gets canceled and you're sitting around in the airport for 5,6,7 hours.

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Originally Posted by old goat

We pay for most stuff on a Wells Fargo visa card that gives us flights on most airlines. (I think there are a few that don't participate) We spend enough to have gotten flights to and from Europe in coach covered.
Wells no longer cares if you tell them you're leaving the country. They have their own security algorithms, which are of course secret. No problems using the card on a 3 week trip involving UK, France, Germany, and Belgium.
They cover the currency conversion fees for us--amounted to about $100 for the trip.

In 3 weeks of travel by plane, subway, train and tram in countries we don't speak the language (including the UK) zero problems paying for and using public transport, except for fucking BART from Richmond Amtrak station to SFO--where the phone app to pay didn't work.

For Tahoe area folks, I noticed that Virgin Atlantic has a RNO--LAX--Heathrow connection that might be appealing.

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Smartphone in Europe opens a whole new world.

If they're going to charge extra for baggage on so many flights, why isn't there some way to get a credit for not checking baggage on flights where checked bags are included?
I'm headed to Singapore for a few days and won't be checking anything, because we're staying with family and it's hot as ballz there. Ballz. I feel like I should get a few hundo back, but nobody's listening to this guy. Maybe I could hang out at the ticket counter and sell my baggage slots?

Heading to Singapore? Sell those luggage spots on Craigslist man - get your whole trip paid for I bet.

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Originally Posted by bennymac

Heading to Singapore? Sell those luggage spots on Craigslist man - get your whole trip paid for I bet.

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What could go wrong?

Delta backs off.
https://www.tetongravity.com/forums/...24#post6932824

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Originally Posted by jm2e

If they're going to charge extra for baggage on so many flights, why isn't there some way to get a credit for not checking baggage on flights where checked bags are included?
I'm headed to Singapore for a few days and won't be checking anything, because we're staying with family and it's hot as ballz there. Ballz. I feel like I should get a few hundo back, but nobody's listening to this guy. Maybe I could hang out at the ticket counter and sell my baggage slots?

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Attachment 470973

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Originally Posted by Danno

Today, based on this thread, I have:

• Bought a ski backpack (Gregory Targhee 32) because a mag offered me a sweet discount code (thanks!)
• Bought a travel power strip, because I believe in the always be charging thing and that should make it easier for all my travel; I hate when all the plugs in the terminal are taken up but if I have a power strip I can use a plug without displacing the current user.
• Bought a converter plug for Europe (Switzerland and Germany)
• Changed my outgoing seat assignment to a window because it's an overnight flight and I will need to sleep (I usually go aisle because I hate having to get other people to move so I can pee). Return flight still an aisle because that's a daytime flight.
• Will do a pre-pack well in advance of my trip to see how much gear fills up the ski roller bag and how heavy it gets, how everything else fits, etc.
• Based on how ^^^^ goes, I will decide how I want to bring boots on to the plane, maybe a second backpack? That plus the ski pack will be my carry on and personal item?
• Researched bag policies but it sounds like United international rules will apply (my flights are entirely Lufthansa, but booked through United), and I get one checked ski bag free.

Phew!

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Late to the thread but a couple considerations-

Are you flying Lufthansa out of Denver? If so you'll most likely be on an A350 with 2-2-2 seating in business class, 2-3-2 seating in premium economy and 3-3-3 in economy.

If you are flying business class, go for the middle 2 seats. You'll have direct aisle access.

If you are flying regular economy, go for an an aisle seat on the middle 3 seats. There you'll have direct aisle access. There is a good chance for having a couple in the middle seat and the other aisle seat. This means no one needing you to move to so they can get the restroom and you not needing to move so that they can get to the restroom.

If you're in a window seat you'll have to wake people up if you need to go to the restroom. It's really annoying. You can't see anything out the window anyway since it'll be an overnight flight. Also, the A350 has 3 external cameras that you can tune into from the seatback entertainment screen.

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Originally Posted by Kevo

Late to the thread but a couple considerations-

Are you flying Lufthansa out of Denver? If so you'll most likely be on an A350 with 2-2-2 seating in business class, 2-3-2 seating in premium economy and 3-3-3 in economy.

If you are flying business class, go for the middle 2 seats. You'll have direct aisle access.

If you are flying regular economy, go for an an aisle seat on the middle 3 seats. There you'll have direct aisle access. There is a good chance for having a couple in the middle seat and the other aisle seat. This means no one needing you to move to so they can get the restroom and you not needing to move so that they can get to the restroom.

If you're in a window seat you'll have to wake people up if you need to go to the restroom. It's really annoying. You can't see anything out the window anyway since it'll be an overnight flight. Also, the A350 has 3 external cameras that you can tune into from the seatback entertainment screen.

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The biggest benefit of the window seat is the ability to lean/rest/drool on the side of the plane while you sleep. Unless you are a fucking budhist monk who sleeps great sitting bolt upright.

My tip is to bring Starbuck Viva instant coffee packets with you so you can make yourself a nice coffee drink with bottled water instead of having to drink the moldy swill the airplane will serve you. Its also really nice, when traveling internationally, to always have the ability to get some instant caffeine in your system when jetlag inevitably hits and a cafe isnt convinient.

Kevo, good tips. Flying there, I went with window for the reason Californiagrown says (sleeping), but I'm gonna switch my flight back to middle aisle, thanks!

I suggest flying 1st class so you don't need to worry about all this. Mucking about with the proletariats in steerage is no way to begin and end a trip.

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Originally Posted by Timberridge

I suggest flying 1st class so you don't need to worry about all this. Mucking about with the proletariats in steerage is no way to begin and end a trip.

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You funding my next trip?

I’ve posted this before but I did a 5 year long project at a major international airport. I’ve spent countless hours in an operating bag well. I’ve seen blown up bags, single shoes dangling from the conveyors, luggage left in random corners, etc… Do not check a bag unless it’s necessary. Do not travel with a bag that’s not designed for air travel. Carryon lifestyle is the way to go. Two weeks in Europe with a small roller just means you have to do one load of laundry. Regardless of checked bag risk; I’d rather travel light. If you do have to check gear; spend the money on a high quality bag for said gear.

Remember minimum wage calls for minimum effort.

This brings up one of my many travel pet peeves:

Just because you can shove your 65L backpacking pack up in the overhead bin doesn’t mean you should. You’re not allowed too. You’re not more important than anyone else on the plane. You’re not entitled to more space than anyone else on the plane. When you’re forced to check and the conveyor shreds your pack; good riddance.


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Originally Posted by Danno

Kevo, good tips. Flying there, I went with window for the reason Californiagrown says (sleeping), but I'm gonna switch my flight back to middle aisle, thanks!

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I used to very frequently fly long haul economy class and I bought one of these- https://trtltravel.com/products/trtl-travel-pillow

It's basically half a neck brace and it allows you to keep you head in a comfortable position while sleeping in an economy seat. I think I bought it back in like 2015 or 2016 and it was probably a lot cheaper then. I've used it many dozens of times and I still have it and used it last week on the way home from Munich on (presumably) the same flight you'll be taking this winter.

Also worth noting that the Lufthansa economy seats on the A350 have a moveable headrest- you can fold it out on the sides to provide additional support and give you something to lean on.

Last thing of note- when I flew Lufthansa to Munich last year for a ski trip I had a 3 hour layover in DEN from JAC. I was booked in economy, but went to the gate a couple hours in advance of the flight and asked if they had any upgrades available. They had an unsold seat in business class that I bought for like $600- way less than I would have paid had I booked a full fare business class ticket. It's really nice to have a lie flat seat on an overnight flight and I think it saved me some jet lag.

This month I flew UAL to Munich (tried to upgrade with points, got waitlisted and the upgrade didn't clear) and LH back. LH was booked out because of Oktoberfest so I was in economy for that flight too. The LH economy seats on their A350 are way more comfy than the United economy seats on the 787 FWIW.

Just checked, my flight is Denver to Frankfort, on an A340, and the seats are 2-4-2, so I'm going to keep my window seat. But coming back, Munich to Denver, it's a 350 with seating like you said, and I just changed to a middle row aisle.

I stupidly got into a taxi in Rome with no starting fare displayed yesterday. Don't do this. Asshole wanted 50 euro for maybe a 20 euro fare. I tossed him 30 and the finger. He was screaming at me, so I told him to call the police. He drove off. My wife was so pissed at the cunt.

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Originally Posted by Danno

Just checked, my flight is Denver to Frankfort, on an A340, and the seats are 2-4-2, so I'm going to keep my window seat. But coming back, Munich to Denver, it's a 350 with seating like you said, and I just changed to a middle row aisle.

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Taking the train from FRA? Is it part of your Luftwaffe ticket or are you booking separately? I have advice for the Frankfurt am Main Flughafen Fernbahnhof from 6 and 9 years ago. I got nothing regarding München.

Flying to Zurich, train from there

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Originally Posted by californiagrown

My tip is to bring Starbuck Viva instant coffee packets with you so you can make yourself a nice coffee drink with bottled water instead of having to drink the moldy swill the airplane will serve you. Its also really nice, when traveling internationally, to always have the ability to get some instant caffeine in your system when jetlag inevitably hits and a cafe isnt convinient.

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Good tip, Starbucks instant is excellent. I'll definitely take some to Yurp. Never know what kind of shitty weak coffee you will encounter.

My mom traveled to 49 countries in her life. The only bit of travel wisdom she ever imparted to me was never go without a little bottle of Tabasco. I plan to bring that too.

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Originally Posted by yeahman

Good tip, Starbucks instant is excellent. I'll definitely take some to Yurp. Never know what kind of shitty weak coffee you will encounter.

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The coffee in CH is excellent.

Edit- I thought this was the BBi thread, but honestly coffee in Europe is quite good relative to the USA.

Things that stay in my carryon full time: eye mask, ear plugs, noise cancelling earphones, a pen, breath mints, sleeping pills, good instant coffee, and hot sauce.

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Originally Posted by jackattack

The coffee in CH is excellent.

Edit- I thought this was the BBi thread, but honestly coffee in Europe is quite good relative to the USA.

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Yeah, I had some instant coffee in my hotel in Germany and it was so much better than Via. You could buy all sorts of fancy instants in the grocery store.

The only place I've been with coffee so bad that I wished I had brought Starbucks Via is Japan.

The rest of the world, I've found acceptable to great coffee.

For me, its not quality of coffee in other countries, it’s the American quantity that I’ve gotten used to. I feel like I’ve been judged in other countries for asking for a third cup.


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Originally Posted by zion zig zag

For me, its not quality of coffee in other countries, it’s the American quantity that I’ve gotten used to. I feel like I’ve been judged in other countries for asking for a third cup.


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So true. The other thing distinctly American is mainling Coffee as soon as you get up. In Europe its more of a 9 or 10am thing. I'm always having coffee before going out for coffee. The electric kettle rules for this. That said, two cappuccinos and I'm very much well fueled.

We always bring one of these and some filters while traveling/camping.

https://www.amazon.com/Fino-Pour-Ove...834484995&th=1

Any tips for flying to Africa for cheap from the East coast?

Even driving to NYC to fly Kenya air or some of the others shows nothing going off peak in January. Can fly to Japan Direct for cheaper.

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Originally Posted by zion zig zag

For me, its not quality of coffee in other countries, it’s the American quantity that I’ve gotten used to. I feel like I’ve been judged in other countries for asking for a third cup.


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FWIW, my suggestion wasnt for your morning espresso (or two). I suggest bringing some packs of instant coffee for those times when you are in your hotel, or driving somewhere and you hit a fucking jetlag wall. Id much rather mainline some coffee right then and there for free 99, than groggily try to navigate a different country (where you dont speak the language) to find an expensive cup of joe. I would have recommended caffeine pills, but i dont get the pavlovian bump in energy from pills that i do with coffee.

Coffee in your bags may set off the tsa agents.

I got some super fancy as a gift and flew with it, only to have to pull it out and get the sniffer wand stuck into the bag.

Guy said it was a standard cover smell for skunky contrabands.

:smoking:

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Originally Posted by californiagrown

FWIW, my suggestion wasnt for your morning espresso (or two). I suggest bringing some packs of instant coffee for those times when you are in your hotel, or driving somewhere and you hit a fucking jetlag wall. Id much rather mainline some coffee right then and there for free 99, than groggily try to navigate a different country (where you dont speak the language) to find an expensive cup of joe. I would have recommended caffeine pills, but i dont get the pavlovian bump in energy from pills that i do with coffee.

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In Yurp you can’t throw a rock without hitting a cheap coffee. I love the espresso vending machines you can find

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Originally Posted by riser4

Taking the train from FRA? Is it part of your Luftwaffe ticket

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:confused:

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Originally Posted by summit

:confused:

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Sorry, I can't resist. I refer to Lufthansa as Luftwaffe. It's a dumb joke from when I was probably 12. I am stunted.

In the past I've had great coffee in Europe. This last trip--mostly Germany but also France and Belgium every place had those machines where you press a button and whatever coffee drink you want comes out. Acceptable but not stellar.

1 euro espresso pulls were the norm every time I was there.

Drip coffee is a new world thing. Euros do like their "americanos" and nespressos. You can buy all the nespresso packets you want.

yeah tough to get drip in the eurozone and asia (only places i've visited). Like zzz said i'm a quantity guy (I drink half caf to keep caffeine amount regulated at home) , so I go for the americano.

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Originally Posted by DoYou WannaDance

Any tips for flying to Africa for cheap from the East coast?

Even driving to NYC to fly Kenya air or some of the others shows nothing going off peak in January. Can fly to Japan Direct for cheaper.

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Are you going to Kenya or somewhere else? We just flew miles last year to Portugal and then bought $100/seat RyanAir seats down to Morocco in March. We flew United from Aspen to Nairobi and back from Mozambique to Aspen in 2017 for 90,000 miles each, R/T. Mileage costs have surely increased, but it's not a bad way to go if you have time to plan. Otherwise, look for cheaper flights to Dubai, Doha or Istanbul as they are major hubs for Asia/Africa flights. Houston-Lagos is a big transit line for United and others, if you could get a cheap flight to IAH and then from Lagos to your destination, though Lagos airport can be a bit of a shitshow.

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Originally Posted by Supermoon

In Yurp you can’t throw a rock without hitting a cheap coffee. I love the espresso vending machines you can find

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Ive been to yurp a handful of times, and it sure is nice to have a pickmeup in my bag on the taxi/bus/train/car ride, or trying to navigate a quick airport layover or public transport on a tight schedule in a foriegn language, or in my hotel room before i go out, etc.The viva is for emergencies where you are crashing/have crashed and need something stat so you can function and get through the next hour, not meant to be a replacement for real coffee when real coffee is readily available.

And for me personally, if i am not getting really good coffee, i will always just pick the cheapest/quickest version of coffee. If its less than really good, i am strictly in it for the drug effect.


My other travel "hack" is commonly known, but making the majority of your clothing wool will let you bring less clothes. Even underwear and socks- just bring a shampoo bottle of detergent and wash a pair in the sink each night to let dry a day or two and then repeat. Wool clothing will really cut down on the amount of clothes needed and/or the laundry you need to do.

How do you heat the water to make the emergency coffee? Seriously. Are you just mixing it cold. If so, I'd suggest chocolate cover espresso beans

Sent from my Turbo 850 Flatbrimed Highhorse

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Originally Posted by Foggy_Goggles

<snip> I'd suggest chocolate cover espresso beans

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Attachment 471482

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Originally Posted by californiagrown

Ive been to yurp a handful of times, and it sure is nice to have a pickmeup in my bag on the taxi/bus/train/car ride, or trying to navigate a quick airport layover or public transport on a tight schedule in a foriegn language, or in my hotel room before i go out, etc.The viva is for emergencies where you are crashing/have crashed and need something stat so you can function and get through the next hour, not meant to be a replacement for real coffee when real coffee is readily available.

And for me personally, if i am not getting really good coffee, i will always just pick the cheapest/quickest version of coffee. If its less than really good, i am strictly in it for the drug effect.


My other travel "hack" is commonly known, but making the majority of your clothing wool will let you bring less clothes. Even underwear and socks- just bring a shampoo bottle of detergent and wash a pair in the sink each night to let dry a day or two and then repeat. Wool clothing will really cut down on the amount of clothes needed and/or the laundry you need to do.

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I'm super lazy. For me, not owning wool already, this is a lot of work. I'd rather pack five days worth and hit up the laundry once on a ten day trip. I never was into ultralight backpacking either, so maybe there's a connection. However, yes, I can see how this would be a space saver and it's a good tip. It's definitely good if you are not going to be able to arrange easy access to a laundry place.