First ever mileage run...any advice
Nov 29, 2017, 11:28 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
First ever mileage run...any advice
Embarking on my first ever mileage run...DEN>NRT>GUM>MNL>NRT>DEN as I look to lock in UA Plat for next year..
Am booked E+ but just got upgraded to business from NRT>GUM..hoping the same happens on my GUM>MNL leg. MNL>NRT is with ANA so doubt there will be any upgrades there?
Any advice? Have about a 5 hour layover in NRT and another 5 hour layover in GUM. Have Star Alliance Gold and Priority Lounge Access. Am both worried and excited about this very LONG trip..
Am booked E+ but just got upgraded to business from NRT>GUM..hoping the same happens on my GUM>MNL leg. MNL>NRT is with ANA so doubt there will be any upgrades there?
Any advice? Have about a 5 hour layover in NRT and another 5 hour layover in GUM. Have Star Alliance Gold and Priority Lounge Access. Am both worried and excited about this very LONG trip..
Nov 29, 2017, 11:34 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: 6km East of EPAYE
Programs: UA Silver, AA Platinum, AS & DL GM Marriott TE, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,582
Pack some energy bars or other compact snacks - you never know when hunger will strike. Personally I like Clif bars because the layer of heavy oats can absorb a lot of bad airplane food 
Good luck!
Good luck!
Nov 29, 2017, 12:47 pm
#3
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Land of 10,000 Upgrades
Posts: 9,465
First piece of advice is to read the rules:
Welcome to the Mileage Run Forum - Important information how the MR forums work
and post in the correct forum.
A moderator has been notified.
Welcome to the Mileage Run Forum - Important information how the MR forums work
and post in the correct forum.
A moderator has been notified.
Nov 29, 2017, 2:06 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
Take a shower prior to departure (either at home or at DEN if the lounge has showers). Be sure to catch a shower at the lounge(s) at NRT and/or GUM as well. It makes a huge difference with how you'll feel. Don't check any bags, just a carry-on is fine.
I like to have the following items with me on a MR:
I like to have the following items with me on a MR:
- Tablet filled with videos/music + good headphones
- Battery pack for recharging
- International Multi Plug Adapter (all-in-one style)
- Several pairs of clean wool socks
- Comfortable clothing (usually merino shirts and wrinkle-free pants)
Nov 29, 2017, 3:48 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
Take a shower prior to departure (either at home or at DEN if the lounge has showers). Be sure to catch a shower at the lounge(s) at NRT and/or GUM as well. It makes a huge difference with how you'll feel. Don't check any bags, just a carry-on is fine.
I like to have the following items with me on a MR:
I like to have the following items with me on a MR:
- Tablet filled with videos/music + good headphones
- Battery pack for recharging
- International Multi Plug Adapter (all-in-one style)
- Several pairs of clean wool socks
- Comfortable clothing (usually merino shirts and wrinkle-free pants)
Nov 29, 2017, 4:04 pm
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
Nov 29, 2017, 4:41 pm
#10
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: IAD/DCA/BWI
Programs: Hyatt Globalist (2020:Exp), United Gold
Posts: 1,525
I also carry body wipes, in case showers are full (as often the case for UA domestic clubs) or there's no showers at all. I don't think DEN or GUM have showers.I wear a t-shirt under a button-down shirt, it's easy to carry extra t-shirts to change into.
If you have the British/Hong Kong style adapter, it's good to carry it on long flights. Sometimes the sockets on the plane are worn/loose, and these prongs are always very sturdy.
I also try to take an extra multivitamin in the afternoon, in addition to the one in the morning. The magnesium seems to help prevent muscle cramps/fatigue, in my experience.
Nov 29, 2017, 7:03 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: Delta DM | Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 169
Take a shower prior to departure (either at home or at DEN if the lounge has showers). Be sure to catch a shower at the lounge(s) at NRT and/or GUM as well. It makes a huge difference with how you'll feel. Don't check any bags, just a carry-on is fine.
I like to have the following items with me on a MR:
I like to have the following items with me on a MR:
- Tablet filled with videos/music + good headphones
- Battery pack for recharging
- International Multi Plug Adapter (all-in-one style)
- Several pairs of clean wool socks
- Comfortable clothing (usually merino shirts and wrinkle-free pants)
In addition to swingaling's suggestions:
- Keep eat/sleep schedule in sync with your home timezone. I went to work the day after returning and felt fine.
- Bring several pairs of anything that comes in close contact with your body (e.g. underwear, shirts, etc.)
- Drown yourself in water. Keeps you hydrated and the extra trips to the lav force you to get up and move around
Nov 30, 2017, 11:46 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SFO/DTW
Programs: DL PM 0.5MM, Hyatt Globalist, HHonors Gold, SPG Plat, Marriott Gold, Avis PC, National EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,988
Recommend using NH lounge at NRT as well. Good food with showers there.
Wear comfortable clothing (I usually wear sweats and a sweater).
Stay hydrated.
Travel pillow if it helps you sleep.
Wear comfortable clothing (I usually wear sweats and a sweater).
Stay hydrated.
Travel pillow if it helps you sleep.
Nov 30, 2017, 12:50 pm
#14
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH, YYC
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 753
Second the advice on the NRT United Club showers. With 5 hours at NRT you have just enough time to get the train into Narita and take a look around there for 30-60 mins. Also recommend this because there are some good restaurants and shops pre-security at NRT
Probably the same at GUM, although getting around is more difficult / expensive (you’ll have to use taxis).
Nov 30, 2017, 12:55 pm
#15
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH, YYC
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 753
Also, keep a really close eye on possible same day changes both through the United app, and through availability in your fare class on the United website (enable expert mode).
this will enable you to either grab some more PQMs, or build on a layover somewhere en route.
I did a very similar MR to yours in January, and I was able to build in a layover in Osaka by calling United and changing my flight from GUM. It was awesome
this will enable you to either grab some more PQMs, or build on a layover somewhere en route.
I did a very similar MR to yours in January, and I was able to build in a layover in Osaka by calling United and changing my flight from GUM. It was awesome