Comments on: Weekend in Sydney: Confessions of a mileage run junkie

By: Ted Ray

Ted Ray — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 19:01:19 +0000

I’ve got two tips: one for a mileage run and one for jet lag…

First, I’m about to do a form a mileage run called a Challenge- whereby you can reach Gold/Platinum Elite Status on AA by getting 5,000/10,000 points respectively in a 3 mos period. To do this I’m flying from SF to London via JFK and to Chicago returning via DFW. This will get me Platinum Elite Status for 14 mos in just 2 trips! Catch: you do have to pay $100/$200 for those challenges. But, it is totally worth it. Read more here: http://tinyurl.com/5p56ew.

Second, I recommend FlyRight Jet Lag Formula (see p. 31 of the June Hemispheres mag on UAL). It offsets the negative effects of long-haul flying like fatigue and boosts the immune system to protect you from airborne pathogens. In interest of full disclosure, this is my product/company. However, I DO use it myself and encourage you to read about it here: http://jetlagformula.com

By: Arizona Road Warrior

Arizona Road Warrior — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:36:15 +0000

Over the years, I have run into individuals on my flights doing mileage runs. There are forums that are dedicated to mileage runs on the various airlines. If you need miles to reach or maintain your elite status and have the time then mileage runs are better than buying your status (i.e. US Airways allows an individual to buy miles to reach an elite status).

By: Tim

Tim — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:16:49 +0000

My tips: for the water bottle on international trips, I use a 32 oz Nalgene bottle (provides a quart of water and makes a good lumbar supported in the coach class). Mine is a wide-mouthed bottle to allow for easier filling, and I use an insert from Guyout that blocks the water from soaking me as I drink.

Second, for jet lag I use a product from New Zealand entitled “No Jet Lag.” It is a homeopathic pill that is consumed during the plane trip. My wife, son, and I have used these pills when flying to/from London and to/from Taipei, Taiwan. We use Chicago’s O’Hare airport as our base.

I also recommend earphones that block out sound and ear plugs. I recommend bath in case you want to have a quiet environment but do not want to listen to music/books on tape.

Maybe later this year I will experience mileage runs. They sound like fun and hopefully I will have money for them later this year.

By: Carrie Charney

Carrie Charney — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:48:38 +0000

I flew to Auckland on ANZ in Pacific Premium Economy, cheap then, because they were first introducing it. I cannot sleep on a plane, so I perhaps dozed for an hour or so. When I arrived early in the morning, I found I was able to check into my hotel, leave immediately for the wharf to take a harbor cruise, do a bit of shopping in Davenport, eat early dinner on the waterfront, then walk about the beautifully-lit city at dusk before returning to my hotel for a good night’s sleep. The desk clerk asked me how long I had been in NZ, and I had to think before I realized I had only arrived that morning. Seems jet lag was not an issue for this trip. By the way, this was not a mileage run. It was just a couple of days on my own in the big city before flying down to Invercargill to meet my expedition ship to Antarctica and Sub Antarctic Islands.

By: Bill

Bill — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:28:06 +0000

The only thing I would hate about going to Australia would be the ultra long plane ride, so I would be sure to stay there more than two days if I were to go.

For me, it is not about getting there, it is about once I am there!

However, everyone has their own perspective, their own goals, and their own particular situation.

Thank you for writing. As horrifying as I would find two back to back Australia flights, I do find it interesting to read about your travels.

I hope you meet your goals.

By: Terri DuLong

Terri DuLong — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:59:57 +0000

Whew….my head was spinning reading this, Karen!
But hey, sounds like it might be worth it for you.
I’ve had the flat bed on Continental’s Business First and LOVE it! What a difference! But very true about crawling over your seatmate if you’re in the window seat.
I have 2 flights booked for this summer…..next month to DC for a conference and Aug. to Boston for high school reunion.
When my book is released Oct. 27….I see mega flying ahead, but you know my “secret”……I don’t need to rack up those mileage points. (smile)

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:36:00 +0000

I wish I travelled enough to be able to do mileage runs. But I am enjoying reading your tales of your mileage runs – first London, now Sydney. How exciting to have those little spurts of adventure!

By: Anne - Music and Markets

Anne - Music and Markets — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:40:18 +0000

Very interesting – you sound like a true road warrior!