What makes you fly?
#1
Original Poster




Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, CA
Programs: AC 35K
Posts: 675
What makes you fly?
I see that the majority, if not basically everyone, here is to some extent a frequent flyer for work purposes. I thought it might be interesting to know what the jobs are that allow you to fly frequently and also how frequently you fly as a result of your job, whether it's mostly long haul or short haul, and in what class (I know this last part was covered in another thread but maybe it'd be better if it was all consolidated into one post).
I myself am still a student, but I absolutely love to fly and, while most travel is Y, I try to get in J with miles/avios from various FF programs. Don't fly too frequently though, I'd say about 10-15 flights yearly (both LH and SH).
Looking forward to hearing what others say,
TUF
I myself am still a student, but I absolutely love to fly and, while most travel is Y, I try to get in J with miles/avios from various FF programs. Don't fly too frequently though, I'd say about 10-15 flights yearly (both LH and SH).
Looking forward to hearing what others say,
TUF
#3
In Memoriam

Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874

While it is true that most FTers earn their status from business travel, there certainly are exceptions, especially within the FT community.
Some people just enjoy travelling and will book a flight if they see a good deal, a few people will do pure mileage runs and others can family spread all over the world.
For instance, it's quite possible to earn BA Gold with 2-3 international trips in J, and during the holidays fares can be very reasonable.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
Posts: 14,391
I fly for pleasure. I fly to get to the holiday destination I think, rather than fly just for the flight.
I'm a business owner so my flying up the front of the plane is tax deductable!!!
I'm a business owner so my flying up the front of the plane is tax deductable!!!
#6
Formerly known as tireman77
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,817
I love being in a plane, for whatever reason.
Despite all the garbage associated with flying today (you basically spend your day standing in line, shorter lines with priority/status, but lines non the less), I still love the feeling when a plane takes off. I love watching planes and have done so since I was 5. In a longe or at a gate, I try and find a seat with a view to the tarmac or runways. Airport hotels: I'm the guy who asks for a high floor with a view to the airport.
Despite all the garbage associated with flying today (you basically spend your day standing in line, shorter lines with priority/status, but lines non the less), I still love the feeling when a plane takes off. I love watching planes and have done so since I was 5. In a longe or at a gate, I try and find a seat with a view to the tarmac or runways. Airport hotels: I'm the guy who asks for a high floor with a view to the airport.
#7




Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
Posts: 6,377
As one data point, I think of myself primarily as a business traveler but I actually take a significant number of trips for leisure. Over the past 5 years I estimate that my flights have been 60% work-only, 30% leisure-only, and 10% mixed work and leisure. The figures for leisure would be much higher if I included car trips in excess of 200 miles each way, but as it is I'm only counting flights.
#8


Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 8,810
#9



Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: England
Programs: BAC
Posts: 1,862
#11
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: HHon Diamond, IHG Plat, SPG Gold, TG Gold, QR Plat, OZ Gold, AF Silver, Hertz #1 Gold, Priority Pass
Posts: 447
#12


Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,588
I love being in a plane, for whatever reason.
Despite all the garbage associated with flying today (you basically spend your day standing in line, shorter lines with priority/status, but lines non the less), I still love the feeling when a plane takes off. I love watching planes and have done so since I was 5. In a longe or at a gate, I try and find a seat with a view to the tarmac or runways. Airport hotels: I'm the guy who asks for a high floor with a view to the airport.
Despite all the garbage associated with flying today (you basically spend your day standing in line, shorter lines with priority/status, but lines non the less), I still love the feeling when a plane takes off. I love watching planes and have done so since I was 5. In a longe or at a gate, I try and find a seat with a view to the tarmac or runways. Airport hotels: I'm the guy who asks for a high floor with a view to the airport.
#13



Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: gggrrrovvveee (ORD)
Programs: UA Pt, Marriott Ti, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 6,095
I believe I can fly...
Seriously, though, I do enjoy flying, but for me, it's more about the experience of being able to see the world below and getting to the destination. Don't get me wrong, I'd much prefer being in international business class than a cramped coach cabin, but to me, it's less about flying in and of itself, and more about seeing stuff.
Seriously, though, I do enjoy flying, but for me, it's more about the experience of being able to see the world below and getting to the destination. Don't get me wrong, I'd much prefer being in international business class than a cramped coach cabin, but to me, it's less about flying in and of itself, and more about seeing stuff.
#14




Join Date: May 2014
Location: DMV
Posts: 2,103
I fly because three core aspects of my life - work, romance, family - are in three different countries which aren't even on the same continent. I would say I enjoy some aspects about it but I don't enjoy it as an activity in itself. If I could "beam" myself from A to B to C and back in sn instant, I would happily do so rather than spend 7-14 hours travelling.
#15



Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: KSUX
Posts: 919
There's just something appealing about being able to get on a plane and in a few hours step off somewhere half way across the country or world for that matter. Sure I could drive from here to there (and I get the appeal of road trips too) but I'd rather not waste half my trip driving to and from unless, of course, I'm specifically taking a road trip.

