missing out cause you're flying premium
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,875
missing out cause you're flying premium
Between flying premium classes and getting lounge access, and Priority Pass when I am not, I realized I miss out on many things in airports and on planes.
Some airports, like Singapore's Changi, are wonderful and have so many things to do. Video games, movie screenings, lily and butterfly and cactus gardens. But I don't explore anymore. I just head to the lounges.
And on flights, even though the big seat upfront is nice, you miss out on interesting passengers (seated in economy last time on a domestic US flight I encountered a strange experience with a lady asking to plug her headphones into my laptop. Something that I could never imagine would happen upfront), the view outside (first in some airlines blocks out your windows), edutainment (Berlitz anyone?) which is like a blast from the past.
I guess you cannot have it all.
Some airports, like Singapore's Changi, are wonderful and have so many things to do. Video games, movie screenings, lily and butterfly and cactus gardens. But I don't explore anymore. I just head to the lounges.
And on flights, even though the big seat upfront is nice, you miss out on interesting passengers (seated in economy last time on a domestic US flight I encountered a strange experience with a lady asking to plug her headphones into my laptop. Something that I could never imagine would happen upfront), the view outside (first in some airlines blocks out your windows), edutainment (Berlitz anyone?) which is like a blast from the past.
I guess you cannot have it all.
#3
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Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
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If I didn't have lounge access on my last trip, I probably would have tried for Proud Bird during my long layover at LAX. Seems like it'd be a cool place to visit once. As it was, the layover was just short enough that I was too worried about missing my connection. Maybe next time I fly through there.
#4
Moderator, Amtrak & Spirit Airlines
Join Date: Jan 2011
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If you feel like your missing out change your patterns.
When I am at a new airport lounge access or not I will make a point to walk the concourses that are connected post security. In some smaller airports this may only take 5 minutes end to end, but at least I did a little extra walking before I end up stuck sitting on a plane. At larger airports this can also be interesting for example at a place like IST its interesting to walk past a boarding gate for an Iraqi Airways flight to Baghdad, or the TK flight to Somalia. In PTY to see people flying back into Valenzuela with everything going on there right now. At a place like ORD where so many terminals and concourses are connected this can really eat up a layover. I spend enough time in Admirals Clubs taking a walk from the L concourse to the B concourse at ORD is always a nice way to break up a layover.
Your lounge access doesn't get revoked if you don't head straight there post security. Take a moment to wander through the terminal and then head to the lounge, or leave the lounge before they make your boarding announcement so you have some extra time to see more of the airport.
When I am at a new airport lounge access or not I will make a point to walk the concourses that are connected post security. In some smaller airports this may only take 5 minutes end to end, but at least I did a little extra walking before I end up stuck sitting on a plane. At larger airports this can also be interesting for example at a place like IST its interesting to walk past a boarding gate for an Iraqi Airways flight to Baghdad, or the TK flight to Somalia. In PTY to see people flying back into Valenzuela with everything going on there right now. At a place like ORD where so many terminals and concourses are connected this can really eat up a layover. I spend enough time in Admirals Clubs taking a walk from the L concourse to the B concourse at ORD is always a nice way to break up a layover.
Your lounge access doesn't get revoked if you don't head straight there post security. Take a moment to wander through the terminal and then head to the lounge, or leave the lounge before they make your boarding announcement so you have some extra time to see more of the airport.
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
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Posts: 52,550
If I'm in a cool airport, I wander around instead of going to the lounge. I mean, I *like* lounges, but unless I'm heading to one of the best int'l F lounges I would definitely find checking out a new airport more interesting.
Yes, flying J/F means you're missing out on the joys of flying Y. But sometimes you gotta just suffer and power through it.
Yes, flying J/F means you're missing out on the joys of flying Y. But sometimes you gotta just suffer and power through it.
#6
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 328
If you feel like your missing out change your patterns.
When I am at a new airport lounge access or not I will make a point to walk the concourses that are connected post security. In some smaller airports this may only take 5 minutes end to end, but at least I did a little extra walking before I end up stuck sitting on a plane.
When I am at a new airport lounge access or not I will make a point to walk the concourses that are connected post security. In some smaller airports this may only take 5 minutes end to end, but at least I did a little extra walking before I end up stuck sitting on a plane.
#8
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Scotland - ABZ
Programs: Qantas LTG, BA-Blue, KLM -Gold, SAS - Silver
Posts: 2,053
When AMS was the only decent international hub from ABZ, every Rig Pig (me included) was KLM Platinum.
Believe me, it was often nicer to just sit out in the main concourse!
Believe me, it was often nicer to just sit out in the main concourse!
#9
#10
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 419
Wait...which airlines do this? If I booked F and couldn't ever see outside I'd be livid.
I agree with your sentiments, though. I've had some good times meeting people in the back, and some airports are worth more than a hasty walk to the gate.
Seth
I agree with your sentiments, though. I've had some good times meeting people in the back, and some airports are worth more than a hasty walk to the gate.
Seth
#11
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Sounds like a personal choice. You don't have to do that. And why would you if you'd rather be in the terminal?
None.
Also, I've had some great conversations in F/J over the years. Whether a seatmate or in the galley or in the on-board bar. There are opportunities everywhere if you choose to take advantage of them.
Also, I've had some great conversations in F/J over the years. Whether a seatmate or in the galley or in the on-board bar. There are opportunities everywhere if you choose to take advantage of them.
#12
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: GIG - YYC - SVO
Programs: Lost it all and don't care
Posts: 945
I always explore new airports out of sheer curiosity, but disagree with the premise of the OP's thread.
For me, personal comfort, relaxation and privacy far out rank "unwanted" personal interaction (or otherwise) when travelling..........
For me, personal comfort, relaxation and privacy far out rank "unwanted" personal interaction (or otherwise) when travelling..........
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: NY Metro Area
Programs: AA 2MM Yay!, UA MM, Costco General Member
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People I’ve met in first or business
Celebrities
Chuck Berry
Robert Plant
Bob Weir
Rod Stewart
Dan Rather
George Takei
Others I’m forgetting
Discussions I’ve had with people sitting by me in first or business
A woman who was a poet on the DeathJamPoetry show on HBO about the intersection between science (I’m a scientist) and the arts particularly by people who do both. We talked a lot about Da Vinci. I had recently returned from a Da Vinci drawing exhibit on “The art of the macabre” at Buckingham Palace that showed how Da Vinci used math to draw macabre faces, usually among the clergy.
Discussion about Chinese food with a woman who was a professional chef and was returning NRT-JFK after vacationing on a woman chef’s tour of China
A guy who was going to Africa for a photo safari. He had done several before and I had done one and we talked about different countries and parks.
Those are are just some that jumped out of my memory tonight.
#15
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 419
Seth