Long haul travel made easy

In these times of cabin luggage restrictions and various cost-cutting measures by airlines, it is best to travel on business class. The price difference can well compensate for the physical well-being of passengers as they arrive at their points of destination.

For one, the seating arrangement in business class is roomier and may even afford some privacy (a screen in between seats), especially for those who bring their laptops to make full use of travel time. Seats can be reclined almost to a horizontal position, making sleep much better. And for those of us who need to go to the toilet every so often, the spaces enable one to get up without disturbing the person in the next seat. The 2 X 2 X 2 configuration dispels the feeling of being cramped into place on a 15 to 20-hour flight.

Then, there is the matter of food and beverage being served. Haute cuisine and vintage wines are always on the menu. If one were to be confined for a long period, one must forthwith enjoy the amenities. One can have one's preferred diet maintained while traveling, aside from the fact that there are choices in the business class, as against in the economy. At this point, it is best to underscore the importance of taking enough liquids, especially water, when on a long haul flight. One's skin dehydrates fast and cracked lips can be a discomfort. The travel kit given in business contains branded products to meet these needs - like a lip balm and body lotion.

Alcohol can be heady at a high altitude. Be aware that a small amount of wine or spirits can affect one's senses faster than on the ground. Alcohol intake can also cause bloated fingers and feet the morning after, making it difficult to get into those shoes when preparing for disembarkation.

There are enough blankets and pillows in the business class than in the usually filled-to-capacity economy. Many passengers will not be able to get their request for blankets, much more the request for an extra pillow. (A necessity for some people, like me, to have a good night's sleep!)

The luggage allocation for business class spells a lot of difference, as well as the comfort during check-in. When one travels long haul, one may invariably experience weather change and a stay of at least ten days. Luggage allowance is important also when shopping is a likely option. Autumn wear occupies space, not to mention winter coverings. Mix match creativity can only go to a certain extent… ask any woman traveler! (The men can make do with their two pairs of denims with three or four shirts and a sweater.) One should never consider laundering when on a trip. Time is precious and doing laundry is a waste of time: waiting for the laundry to be delivered by the hotel concierge - also an unnecessary expense!; doing the laundry where you are staying, well into the night, after a tiring day of shopping and sight-seeing; going into a nearby laundromat in order not to inconvenience your hosts. It is not traveling wisely - best to bring disposable underwear and enough clothes for the duration of the trip.

For Filipino travelers, one must experience flying out of San Francisco to understand the travails of an economy passenger going back home! The line seems endless, so one has to be at the airport well before the three-hour leeway. Woe to those who find themselves in a line a mile away from the check-in counter, with fellow passengers grunting under heavy suitcases and bulky pieces of hand luggage. The sheer number of Asian travelers at the Bay City did not make my business class Cathay Pacific (CX) ticket any easier - even business class was full! Better to fly out of Los Angeles in the U.S. west coast. Of course, New York's JFK is the best choice, but also more expensive.

Breaking the long haul can also be an option, depending on the airline of choice. I like the CX flight to New York through Vancouver, British Columbia. The beauty and tranquility of the Canadian city is good preparation for the frenetic pace of the Big Apple. Or if one wants a direct flight, Philippine Airlines flies direct to the U.S.

So, as you have found out by now, there are trade-offs along the way, just like in most aspects of life. However, the choice is ultimately yours to make.

Have a great summer…. travel in style!