Travel tips

I find it difficult to sleep on planes so I put my headphones on and play games on my phone which helps to pass the time.

I absolutely loathe that 13 hour flight to Europe, so anything to make it go faster is a bonus.

Quote from serafina

If you are on this forum, you definitely have taken your fair share of long haul trips by plane. What are your travel tips?

After many years flying to and from Europe in cattle class we've been fortunate enough to have flown in First and Business class several times since. It really does make a hell of a difference so much so I never want to fly in ecenomy class ever again. I'm still not a great sleeper even in a 'flat bed'. So I forget about getting much sleep and just nod off when it happens.

We prefer to use Iberia as the flight time to/from Madrid is much shorter and they also have a day flight on the Madrid-Ezeiza sector which is great.

Hello everybody,

So, my 2 eurocents worth..

I fly from Toulouse France, about 3 hours drive with Lufthansa via Frankfurt to EZE.

I've tried most of the possibilities and here is my strategy. If you depart and arrive from a smaller regional airport, it is all less hassle and cheaper parking. Frankfurt is the main hub for all Lufthansa flights, so you don't have to change airports, (stressful and ridiculously expensive), and I can leave home at a sensible time, have reasonable layover, fly overnight, arriving at EZE at about 8 am. This gives me the choice of flying to Misiones in the afternoon, or spending the day in BA, then the overnight coach.

Ticket strategy: I book economy class no seat reservation, no insurance. I do not normally check my baggage, as 10 kg is fine, but if you want the full 23 kg, then book it now. 2 weeks before departure start looking at your reservation on line, there will probably be an offer to upgrade to economy plus or business class. I try to go out economy plus and come back business, this was 1/3 of the price originally. To get the best deal you have to leave it to the last 2 days..but remember you are in competition. 24 hours before flying you book in on line. NOW you reserve your seat on the shorter flight (free) and you register only carry on bags. You must respect the weight, your bag will probably be check weighed at the counter, however there is nothing to stop you from altering the contents of your bag... so I change my heavy walking shoes for mocassins, take off my pullover/jacket.. open up the 'expandy' bit on my bag

Flight strategy: in economy I prefer an aisle seat, as far forward as possible, avoiding the babies front row and all the toilet areas. I switch my phone off. I have earplugs, an inflatable neck pillow and eye shades. These go in a see through Ziploc type 1 litre freezer bag in my small shoulder bag. Do the same for any medications. I take eyedrops. I read my Kindle and watch a couple of movies. Economy plus is quieter and with better reclining seats (and better food and drink service). I have small headphones , the free earbuds are not up to much.. but using your phones make sure have the 2 pin folding adapter .

The best tip I can offer is: stay of good humour, give yourself plenty of time, do not stress and fret...enjoy the experience

My next trip to Argentina is 11 Sept..

Cordialement,

I once took an Iberia flight from Madrid in a brand new Airbus which was less than half full and we had sunshine all the way to Ezeiza.

I could sit where I wanted and because it wasn't dark, I didn't feel tired at all, not to mention that I was looking forward to seeing Adri at Eze, because we hadn't been together for months.

I never drink alcohol on flights because there's always the probability of driving at the destination if we hire a car. Besides, I like more than one drink and can't see the point in just one glass of wine.

Quote from serafina

Oh yes, that's the thing with fancy things in life! Once you try them, you get used to them and can't live without them.

(Not sure if it is still allowed to say 'once you go black, you can't go back' - Rice ?)

Um, that would definitely be “no.”

I do love the travel tips topic and am glad you raised it. Before covid, we were flying at least once a week for work, usually twice. Then covid arrived, we both decided to exit the work world, and have so loved being at our own home instead of living in hotels that we haven’t taken a single flight in 3 years! Probably won’t remember what to do in airports or how to act on planes. Everyone’s ideas will be helpful on our return flight to EZE.

Quote from Splinter

I once took an Iberia flight from Madrid in a brand new Airbus which was less than half full and we had sunshine all the way to Ezeiza.

Hold on to that long-ago memory, Splinter. It’s a tale you can entertain the lad’s children with, since none of us may ever again fly with an empty seat next to us.

Quote from Rice

Hold on to that long-ago memory, Splinter. It’s a tale you can entertain the lad’s children with, since none of us may ever again fly with an empty seat next to us.

It wasn't just one seat, it was row after empty row. Unbelievable.

Quote from Splinter

It wasn't just one seat, it was row after empty row. Unbelievable.

I had a KLM flt like that when I was 21. A tale I’m saving for great niece and great nephew, who of course will find it far too crazy to be more than a fairy tale.

I did once have a whole middle row to myself when flying on a Air China 747 to Beijing. It was so quiet I think everyone did!!

Quote from serafina

Oh yes, that's the thing with fancy things in life! Once you try them, you get used to them and can't live without them.

(Not sure if it is still allowed to say 'once you go black, you can't go back' - Rice ?)

Should say all our First Class flights and most Business Class ones were paid for using miles. If paying cash there are many tricks to reduce the cost.

Quote from serafina

such as?

I have to admit being based here doesn't really help as most of the deals/tricks are more Europe/US based centric. Having said that I was looking at Iberia fares starting from Ezeiza not that long ago and they had return fares from Ezeiza to Europe in Biz class going for around US$2500.

Being flexible with dates helps finding the cheapest fares. Even changing your start/end airport can bring down the cost of a ticket. Collecting airline miles through credit card sign up bonuses and spend can also pay for upgrades.

I don't sleep on airplanes, so I end up watching movies on my iPad

This is the darkest view of travel I’ve ever read. While I certainly get the writer’s point, still, SHEEESH.

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-weekend-essay/the-case-against-travel?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=tny&utm_mailing=TNY_Humor_062623&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&bxid=5be9dbef24c17c6adf41a33f&cndid=55186604&esrc=article-newsletter&utm_term=TNY_Humor

George Carlin on flying cracks me up!

Last few years ive travelled to singapore, australia with emirates it really does spoil you. I treated myself to premium economy for a trip to philly last year with british airways and it was much better than economy with more legroom and less seats.

Since my flight to argentina got changed to 16hrs + i have upgraded to club world both legs, it was 8k to do it which i wouldnt of done it for that price, then in november it dropped to 3k.

I think the most i can manage now is 8hours in economy, anything more then i wont go unless i can afford business. As it really does open your eyes.

Other than that, have a drink, watch the TV!