Counclusions

It had been many segments in few days. It went just fine and as I had done similar trips many times before I was used to what was coming. I’ll have to remember to stay of the sugar-kicks before boarding though.

All flights except the AA-operated and one BT flight have posted automatically. Total mileage earned including elite bonus is as follows:

Skyteam: 57711
Star Alliance: 690
Oneworld: 470
Air Berlin: 625

Total cost: around EUR 1200 for all flights and hotels at all airports except Copenhagen.


Verdict on airlines

Delta: Transatlantic I find that they can be hit or miss. Sometimes the crew is really friendly while other times they are awful. On their domestic flights I find them mostly good both in the air and on the ground though.

Air France: I try to fly either AF or NW transatlantic as I find these the best ones in economy. While Air France has the major disadvantage of CDG and sometimes language capabilities of its staff they have a solid on board product.

Air Baltic: Tight legroom, no service and a boring airport. The flights were on time though and planes looked fresh. Hadn't it been for their good and low fare structure (which was recently changed for the worse) I wouldn't fly them.

Air Berlin:with good fares and good service this is almost a winner. What is lacking is still legroom and a better bonus program. DUS was nice while their other base TXL was not.

Brussels Airlines: This was my first flight with them and although they are far from my first choice at least the onboard prices for food weren't too bad.

American Airlines: My 89-mile hop in a turboprop hardly gave me a good view of their product. Nice with Saabs though!


In case anyone is interested in what I consider to be necessities on a trip like this I’ll include my standard packing list:

List of alternative flights for the most critical connections.
Lots of 1-dollar bills for tipping.
Laptop for internet and entertainment
Electric adapter for laptop and phone charger
Sleeping kit consisting of: Inflatable pillow, earplugs and eyemask. These three items really help me sleep
Lots of music and earplugs + airplane adapter
Lots and lots to read. To keep my load light I usually only carry two pocket books with me and then buy a new one when the first is finished.
Something to edible. Needed on flights where the hunger sets in or in the nights when you wake up hungry due to jet lag.
1 iron-free shirt. 1 is enough as I wash/rinse it in the hotel every night, it is dry the morning after.
1 pair of good looking yet comfortable pants. This is enough unless I spill, and I refuse to travel in a pyjamas unlike some other people.
Nice and comfortable shoes.
Underwear and socks for every day.