ua1flyer

Great question. First, as far as being there in person. When I do training for a large group there is nothing like the face to face interaction/ synergy/ emotion/ motivation etc that could never be duplicated on Skype. Also a lot of my training is "live demonstrations with their customers/prospects from their market , right in front of them. Nothing brings more validity to the training than "Show me don't tell me !" Priceless.

warrenw

Hey Tom! Do pilots ever announce your milestones to the cabin? What are some of the reactions you hear when they do?

What flight to you expect to be on for 18 million?

Cheers and safe travels!

halls120

Videoconferencing is fine for some applications, but it simply can't provide the personal touch that in person meetings provide. I just flew 4 hours each way for a 3 hour meeting that could have easily been done via VTC, but I would have missed out on the dozen or so sidebar chats on the margins that were on average more valuable than the meeting itself.

Plus, I got to fly Jet Blue for the first time, and what a meh experience....

CappuccinoAddict

I'm amazed by all the travel you do, Tom! I'm wondering, do you ever fly other airlines, too? I often see UA and LH F priced the same to Europe, and when I do and am booking F of course I pick Lufthansa! I would love to know your thoughts on how the various Star Alliance products compare. Safe and happy travels!!

ua1flyer

I would say that 60% of my travel is planned over 3 moths out or more,trips with my wife/vacations, trips with the family and speaking engagements. 20% probably 1-3 months and 20% 30 days or less, sales presentations, immediate client needs/concerns,last minute bookings and spontaneous trips with the wife or family. Not exact numbers but a decent guess.
S

ua1flyer

Very well put..........except for the Jet Blue part ......lol

ua1flyer

For those who know me well,up to a few weeks ago, I was probably the LAST guy you would ask for tips in this area. I know the best things to do, just haven't practiced them. However, I am taking (maybe too late ) a more serious approach from the health stand point. All flyers know that you naturally dehydrate flying, more on longer flights of course, so drink plenty of water. Up to recently, adding more water on flights was putting extra ice in my Bacardi and Diet. I need to take my health more serious as all fliers should. I now drink much more water (always flavored with either lemon or those flavor drops) combined with either green tea or hot water with lemon. As far as sleep schedules ,I am unconventional. I sleep when I am tired and suck it up when I have to overseas. I find myself going to bed as early as 7 or 8 pm and waking up at 3 am to communicate with the office and clients back home,then put a full day in with my overseas client. As far as my eating habits, again know the right choices,don,t choose them as often. Does that make me weak? Hell no! I STRONGLY love those cinnamon rolls ,garlic bread and chocolate cookies! Lol. I rarely taking sleeping pills, but learned the hard way that when you do, DON'T TAKE THEM UNTIL YOU ARE UP IN THE AIR!!! Had a few Bacardi before boarding the flight with my wife from LA - MEL than popped an Ambien right before take off to have a great nights sleep. My wife woke me up 3 hours later telling me they cancelled the flight. To say the least ,I needed my wife and global service to get me off the plane. Won't ever make that mistake again. Some day I am going to write a book on all this stuff. Safe travels to you.See you in the air!

ua1flyer

Only twice. Once at 10 million and one more time at about 15 I think. Now that I think about it ,could have been at 17 million. It's ORD GS that always makes a big deal of it. They are the best! My second family! Got a great reaction on the 10 million flight, it was a party all the way from LAX to Chicago. They had a cake and poured Veuve for everyone on the flight!. Even when I wear my 17 million shirt ,I think people think I bought int in a novelty store. I get the biggest thrill when ORD GS celebrates with me in the lounge every million with a delicious cake,bottle of Veuve and hugs from all my friend in that department. As far as what flight I will be celebrating 18 million,I will know for sure in the next week or so and will post it here. I think I am less than 40,000 to go.

serfty

Love this thread - love the tip about water - although I can happily drink club soda / tap water (not so much from a water fountain on an aircraft).

On a transpac I look to drink at least two litres, hopefully three of water - along with the "bacardi's" and their ilk. Airlines don't cater that much water for a PAX, even if in First, so I have developed various post Security strategies - the main one being bringing a couple of empty bottles with me an topping up in the lounge.

Of course, I would suggest that if you requested a couple of Quarts of water before a flight it would happen.

Makes aisle access seats essential though ...

radiowell

I'm pre-ordering it now Seriously, I'll pay to buy and read it once it's out (unlike most books I either check out at a library or read online).

Thank you so much for sharing all your experience and knowledge. Really appreciate it!

warrenw

Thanks for the response!!! I'm excited to hear which flight 18 million will be. I think United should do more announcements for milestones for all million milers, maybe you should have a discussion with Oscar about that one

ua1flyer

Just passed 800,00 PQM heading over to Europe for the weekend with the wife. Less than 50,000 to go to 18 million.

kwb007

Thank you, Tom, for sharing. Really appreciate the posts.

Fredd

I had to laugh, Tom, although I'm sure your wife didn't at the time.

It's the same reason we never remove our shoes until after takeoff, but a whole new level.

Thanks for sharing that one! ^

ua1flyer

Wives. Without them ,why the journey? My best to yours.