Being relatively new to the concept of multi-segment mileage runs, I recently felt a strong aversion to striking up a conversation with my seatmate in the cramped economy cabin, despite her apparent interest in doing so. Why? Well, I was on Segment 5 of 7 in a crazy north, south, west traverse across the country and was a little tired. What fake story would I make up this time to avoid describing the true nature of my trip?

Fellow mileage runners, how do you handle this bind? Play mute, tell the truth and **** the assessments, or have a ready story line about visiting Aunt Millie at the last transfer point, and returning to your dacha near the next transfer point? Remember, it helps to know local circumstances if your seatmate demonstrates familiarity with either strange city.