Liquidshokk Posted 24 July, 2012 Share Posted 24 July, 2012 Currently going for a job which regularly involves working on sites in europe 3-4 days at a time (most weeks I'm told).. Anyone on here fly for work regularly and can give any advice? I have slight concerns about all the flying for safety reasons (as does my gf) and how much of an impact that amount of time away will have on life. On the positive side I think it will be good experience and might be a good change from working around the UK! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St Chalet Posted 24 July, 2012 Share Posted 24 July, 2012 Safety is the least of your issues! Statistics prove that. Your biggest worry will be the relationship IMHO. Lots of travel will put a strain on that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
positivepete Posted 24 July, 2012 Share Posted 24 July, 2012 It is just like catching a bus or a train every week, but far safer. Great to start with, a pain for making midweek matches. In the end you make of it what you want Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 24 July, 2012 Author Share Posted 24 July, 2012 Safety is the least of your issues! Statistics prove that. Your biggest worry will be the relationship IMHO. Lots of travel will put a strain on that. I'm hoping it will just be Monday-Thursday jobs, with fri to sun off so only the evenings I'm sacrificing. I guess the stress of the travelling might mean I'm not the best person to be around at the weekend though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 24 July, 2012 Author Share Posted 24 July, 2012 It is just like catching a bus or a train every week, but far safer. Great to start with, a pain for making midweek matches. In the end you make of it what you want Have we got many mid-week in the prem? Haven't considered that :-S Really hoped not to miss any games this season after allowing myself a ST again. Guess I can't let football get in the way though........ Can I?!?! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty's Caddy Posted 24 July, 2012 Share Posted 24 July, 2012 Can you get me 200 B&H please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derry Posted 24 July, 2012 Share Posted 24 July, 2012 As an ex airline captain (18000+hrs) regularly positioning on other airlines including charter flights, flying is the least of your worries. Get tickets that get you, priority check in, boarding and access to lounges in the airports that you use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pap Posted 24 July, 2012 Share Posted 24 July, 2012 As others have said, flying is not really the problem. It's everything else. I was back and forth from Northern Ireland for a few years, and while I'm happy to have logged those years in the career, home life became something quite weird and undefined. The girls tell me that from their perspective it always felt like I was just visiting, and that's what it really amounts to - you end up visiting your own life. I've been back for two years now, and am glad to be so. Travel is now an occasional thing and enjoyable when I do it. I much prefer things this way around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwsaint Posted 24 July, 2012 Share Posted 24 July, 2012 It will quickly become very routine. So much so that you won't get wound up by the inevitable delays that periodically happen. The worst bit is when the hotel and airline staff greet you by name. Thats when it is time to find something else to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 24 July, 2012 Author Share Posted 24 July, 2012 As others have said, flying is not really the problem. It's everything else. I was back and forth from Northern Ireland for a few years, and while I'm happy to have logged those years in the career, home life became something quite weird and undefined. The girls tell me that from their perspective it always felt like I was just visiting, and that's what it really amounts to - you end up visiting your own life. I've been back for two years now, and am glad to be so. Travel is now an occasional thing and enjoyable when I do it. I much prefer things this way around. But right in thinking that as I don't have any kids yet it might be a good time to try it and get the experience? My gf isn't too overjoyed by the idea. Her dad was in a similar position and tells me her mum just used to worry all time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bridge too far Posted 24 July, 2012 Share Posted 24 July, 2012 My son used to fly to Europe very regularly and said a real scary moment for him was he visited 4 countries in 3 days and woke up one morning not knowing which country he was in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 24 July, 2012 Share Posted 24 July, 2012 My son used to fly to Europe very regularly and said a real scary moment for him was he visited 4 countries in 3 days and woke up one morning not knowing which country he was in! We do that every day. OK from someone who once had 500k airmiles with TWO airlines... Airports destroy your soul, especially Stansted & Luton, simply because you will be used to the process and everyone else will be a delay. They are getting rid of Iris (which was a GODSEND) and the Auto readers don't always work The company will put you on the cheapest flight so you will never earn enough miles or tier points to get Lounge access. Without Lounge access flying for a living can be hell. Without the tier points status you will eventually be bumped off a flight that is a nightmare. THEN it all comes down to you, what sort of person you are. IF you are a micro time manager (or your job demands it) then why bother to fly anywhere? IF you are the type that can find an hour in the evening to get out the hotel and look around then you learn, you see places and you will learn. Your GF will not be impressed until you have a trip that lets you fly out on a Friday evening and take her with you. Your job may not be wonderful BUT in the future you could be after a job and up against a candidate who doesn't have International experience. I flew everywhere almost every week for about 13 years. The family benefited IMMENSELY from the airmiles I saved & the places I could take them. The only rule? IF they expect you to fly RyanAir every trip? Forget it. They are great for vacations & obscure locations or cheap trips but every week?/? No way Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GenevaSaint Posted 25 July, 2012 Share Posted 25 July, 2012 Currently going for a job which regularly involves working on sites in europe 3-4 days at a time (most weeks I'm told).. Anyone on here fly for work regularly and can give any advice? I have slight concerns about all the flying for safety reasons (as does my gf) and how much of an impact that amount of time away will have on life. On the positive side I think it will be good experience and might be a good change from working around the UK! Biggest problem I used to have was being away from UK in hotels it's very easy to eat unhealthy food, drink too much beer, do little exercise and become a fat bastard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stu0x Posted 25 July, 2012 Share Posted 25 July, 2012 The only rule? IF they expect you to fly RyanAir every trip? Forget it. They are great for vacations & obscure locations or cheap trips but every week?/? No way I'd echo that. Ask for lots of details about the travel element. What airline will you be using, where is your departure point, is it regular flights to the same destination(s) (which ones?) or will you be flying all over, what provisions have they made for travel/accommodation either end, etc. They are all valid questions, if you will be travelling very regularly than it's an integral part of your job, as much as something like your hours of work, and you wouldnt take a job before knowing those. If it all checks out, then make sure you get air miles! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctoroncall Posted 25 July, 2012 Share Posted 25 July, 2012 As a frequent flyer, less so now, much will depend on the airline you use and the class. If you don't fly business class, you'll have to make do with public seating where you can find it and entertain yourself while waiting to board the plane. You can pay to be a member of a lounge (priority pass is one) if you are going to fly many times - as a frequent flyer, a lounge has great benefits - food, drink, internet access, papers, TV, tell you when to board, priority boarding! Otherwise, get into a routine - check in online, get all your liquids in the plastic bag beforehand, laptop accessable etc. I don't like airports at the best of times and want to spend as little time there as possible on the return home. So I pack my bags so I don't have to check it into the hold and wait around at the carousel to pick it up, go through the IRIS scan (which is going after the olympics ;-( but not as bad as the end of portPASS going in the States as that was a HUGE bonus) and have the car waiting for me by phoning ahead (whether it's purple parking or a taxi/chauffeur). Also, you may have the chance to stay over the w/e so can invite your girlfriend over and explore a new place together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St.Patrik Posted 25 July, 2012 Share Posted 25 July, 2012 I travel alot with work, mainly Europe but a few times a year US and Asia as well. Security - well thats no problem if you use the big airlines - it´s sometimes you fly domestic in countries like Russia it can be a bit scary. The problem for me is that I miss my kids really. On big tip from me is - bring your trainers with you since many hotels have really nice gyms. Instead of just drink beer and eat fast food use the gym - makes your tripp much more pleasent and if youre tall like me the plane rides will be nice as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knellster Posted 25 July, 2012 Share Posted 25 July, 2012 If you're going to the same place every time I would suggest getting washing etc done there and leaving your suitcase at the hotel for the weekend. That way you can avoid having to check bags in which will save a lot of time, and you don't end up treating your wife/gf like a laundry service for the couple of days a week you're at home. Also, it can often be cheaper to hire a car at your "home" airport for the weekend than to park your own car for a week - once you hire cars on a regular basis from the same company you will get some good upgrades. Finally see if you can get the company to pay for your other half to come out occasionally rather than you come home - it'll give you a chance to expore the place together (at someone else's expense). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pap Posted 25 July, 2012 Share Posted 25 July, 2012 But right in thinking that as I don't have any kids yet it might be a good time to try it and get the experience? My gf isn't too overjoyed by the idea. Her dad was in a similar position and tells me her mum just used to worry all time Naturally it's a ton easier if you don't have the bambinos to think of. If it's just you and your missus, then you'll just be converting your current relationship to a long-distance one or at least, something resembling one ( less contact / extremes of one kind or another ). At the end of the day, mate - you've got to do what you've got to do, weighing up the short-term hassle versus the long-term benefits. If this is a genuinely good opportunity to improve your long term future, go for it. If you're just going for it "because it's there", I'd seriously reconsider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 25 July, 2012 Author Share Posted 25 July, 2012 Thanks for the great advice all. Some really good points I've made a note of. More to think about/to be had when flying frequently than I thought! I think it will be different locations in Europe every time as its mostly new installations. Some US and Asia on the odd occasion. I'm going for it as the vacancy found me and I like to give everything a good amount of consideration rather than just think "that's too scary" and move on. I like the thought of experiencing working in different countries and I just get the feeling its a big but good new challenge. Not sure a 9-5 in England will present too many opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and develop further as a person. ....all things said the telephone interview may not have gone as well as I thought it did and may not get a face to face interview. Should hear soon enough! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 8 August, 2012 Author Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Ok. So I got the job and I've taken it. I've discussed with them the finer details and had it confirmed I'll get the airmiles and lounge access etc where possible. One thing bugging me (well more so my gf) is that my personal calls home/Internet time for Skype won't be claimable so I'm dreading how much I'm going to have to fork out for wifi in hotels or international calls. Anyone have any advice on this? Was thinking I may have to buy sim cards for each of the main cities to keep costs down. When I've been on holiday in Europe in the last few years there's been less and less free wifi about as everyone is cashing in on it instead. It seems even letting my gf know I'm ok is going to rack up quite some expense each month... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Ok. So I got the job and I've taken it. I've discussed with them the finer details and had it confirmed I'll get the airmiles and lounge access etc where possible. One thing bugging me (well more so my gf) is that my personal calls home/Internet time for Skype won't be claimable so I'm dreading how much I'm going to have to fork out for wifi in hotels or international calls. Anyone have any advice on this? Was thinking I may have to buy sim cards for each of the main cities to keep costs down. When I've been on holiday in Europe in the last few years there's been less and less free wifi about as everyone is cashing in on it instead. It seems even letting my gf know I'm ok is going to rack up quite some expense each month... Ive got Vodafone eurotraveller. It costs £3 a day but means you use your normal UK plan whilst abroad - so data will be within your allowance and calls are UK prices. No idea if this is one of the best deals on the market or not, but it works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Bateman Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Ok. So I got the job and I've taken it. I've discussed with them the finer details and had it confirmed I'll get the airmiles and lounge access etc where possible. One thing bugging me (well more so my gf) is that my personal calls home/Internet time for Skype won't be claimable so I'm dreading how much I'm going to have to fork out for wifi in hotels or international calls. Anyone have any advice on this? Was thinking I may have to buy sim cards for each of the main cities to keep costs down. When I've been on holiday in Europe in the last few years there's been less and less free wifi about as everyone is cashing in on it instead. It seems even letting my gf know I'm ok is going to rack up quite some expense each month... Skype is free though? Skype to Skype anyway, so what's the problem? Most hotels do free wi-fi and even those that don't, you'll be able to find somewhere to bung a headset on, use their wifi (on phone or laptop etc) and speak. But why can't you claim your wifi back anyway? I always claim mine back as I am there for work and it's a cost I wouldn't normally incur. Just a tip - make sure you do all your proper phone calls before you go out on the p*ss each night Text later on "good night" etc then enjoy the evening uninterrupted. Always take a gift back, no matter how big or small and remember that when you admit to going out on the smash, it's to "take your team out" etc., and it's a chore Oh yeah, when you get back as she'll probably feel like you've "been away" and she hasn't, make sure you do a meal out or something on the Friday or Saturday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Micky Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Up until this month, I have flown to europe every month for probably about the last 6 years for work, generally staying a week at a time - sometimes longer. There is much good advice above but really it just gets to be the norm. I didnt use airport lounges although I did use priority boarding. Dependant on where you work the flight is not likely to be much longer than an hour and a half anyway - then you have the travelling before and after the flight. I was in a routine, so much so that I used to go to the loo at the same time after check in, eat at the same place in the airport and the like. As a business traveller you will grow to loath holiday travellers...!!! Hotel stipulations - free wifi access, free parking, decent food, generally clean tidy and that will do. If you get free wifi - contact with home is not a problem. It can be a lonely existance sometimes especially if you are staying over the week ends - but I enjoyed it, despite the pitfalls. If you are hiring cars - as I did every trip, take out your own independant insurance or check to see if your co has its own and dont forget to have personal medical insurance as well. As for the flying thing - lets face it its gotta be fairly safe - Derry never pranged one in 18000 hours...! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pap Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Ok. So I got the job and I've taken it. I've discussed with them the finer details and had it confirmed I'll get the airmiles and lounge access etc where possible. One thing bugging me (well more so my gf) is that my personal calls home/Internet time for Skype won't be claimable so I'm dreading how much I'm going to have to fork out for wifi in hotels or international calls. Anyone have any advice on this? Was thinking I may have to buy sim cards for each of the main cities to keep costs down. When I've been on holiday in Europe in the last few years there's been less and less free wifi about as everyone is cashing in on it instead. It seems even letting my gf know I'm ok is going to rack up quite some expense each month... Er yeah. Don't call your gf I'm actually being serious, and maybe I'm a bit weird for even thinking this way, but easiest way to deal with missing your family is to switch yourself off. I'm in NI at the moment. Think I've phoned the missus once in the whole time I've been over. Don't like talking to the kids when I'm away either - that is even worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 8 August, 2012 Author Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Skype is free though? Skype to Skype anyway, so what's the problem? Most hotels do free wi-fi and even those that don't, you'll be able to find somewhere to bung a headset on, use their wifi (on phone or laptop etc) and speak. But why can't you claim your wifi back anyway? I always claim mine back as I am there for work and it's a cost I wouldn't normally incur. Just a tip - make sure you do all your proper phone calls before you go out on the p*ss each night Text later on "good night" etc then enjoy the evening uninterrupted. Always take a gift back, no matter how big or small and remember that when you admit to going out on the smash, it's to "take your team out" etc., and it's a chore Oh yeah, when you get back as she'll probably feel like you've "been away" and she hasn't, make sure you do a meal out or something on the Friday or Saturday! Yeah I know I'd be ok with skype, assuming the wi-fi is free. My point was that a lot of places I've stayed on holiday charge 15 quid for Internet access. Can't do that every time I go away. The official company line is they will only pay for business calls/Internet use. I shouldn't need to use either of these for business when out of work hours so would be down to me to cover. Cheers for yet more great advice guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 8 August, 2012 Author Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Er yeah. Don't call your gf I'm actually being serious, and maybe I'm a bit weird for even thinking this way, but easiest way to deal with missing your family is to switch yourself off. I'm in NI at the moment. Think I've phoned the missus once in the whole time I've been over. Don't like talking to the kids when I'm away either - that is even worse. That's ok for us guys but she'd never forgive me if I didn't stay in touch! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lighthouse Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 My job involves a fair amount of flying around Europe. I personally wouldn't skimp on the hotels to save money, unless times really are tight. An extra 20 euors a night can be the difference between a nightmare and a place you might choose to go on holiday. I don't know what the deal is with your travel expenses, just my $0.02. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Yeah I know I'd be ok with skype, assuming the wi-fi is free. My point was that a lot of places I've stayed on holiday charge 15 quid for Internet access. Can't do that every time I go away. I think that what PB was getting at is that you book hotels for work trips on different criteria than if travelling for pleasure. If your company is tight on expenses get as much included in the hotel rate as possible. Free wifi is something I always look for, along with easy access near the train station or airport - quick in and quick out. I always try to do something for me related to the place Im in - even if its just drinking a quick local brew in a non chain bar - otherwise your whole life can blur into one mass of chain hotels, muted shades, taxis and airport sandwiches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pap Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 That's ok for us guys but she'd never forgive me if I didn't stay in touch! Well, I did call the missus a lot in the first six months, but you'd be amazed at how quickly people adapt. Besides, you actually have something to talk about when you get back home Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 8 August, 2012 Author Share Posted 8 August, 2012 The hotels and flights will all be booked and paid for by company so guess I can only request that free wifi is included at as many hotels as possible Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctoroncall Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Generally hotels will have free wifi in the lobby area. Of course this may be problem when saying all the lovey-dovey stuff to the misses in a busy hotel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doctoroncall Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Also your company may have prefered hotels and likely to be chains. Try to restrict it to one or two and sign up to their membership programs to collect points and achieve room upgrades. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dubai_phil Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 The hotels and flights will all be booked and paid for by company so guess I can only request that free wifi is included at as many hotels as possible Rule 1. Give it time. Rule 2. Company Travel Agents book whatever they make the best margin on within the specs your company set, once you know the system and what they do it is very simple to use Hotels.com or booking.com to find other places cheaper and more homely to use. You MAY need to pay for the odd night/weekend stopover yourself to test the alternatives out Rule 3 The Company will love you for saving money, so you use Rule 2 find somewhere you like that is cheaper AND gives you free internet - bingo. Rule 4 Work out your planned nights in a City and the Travel Company's preferred hotel and when checking in i) Join any loyalty programe ii) tell them you COULD spend X nights a year staying with them and recommend them to other business travellers IF they give you free WiFi It REALLY is that simple (Oh and when you get a FF card, a really good plan is to take a crutch with you on a flight you know is pretty much full up (note ALWAYS reserve your seat online and double check BEFORE you check in on the flight loading. I average about 20% upgrades on every flight I take - it is about simple 2 minutes research and empathy & being NICE to the girl at the check-in/lounge when you say..... Is the flight very full today?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patrick Bateman Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 My company must be extremely relaxed then, I book my own hotels and flights of my own choosing - have stayed in some lovely hotels and always fly BA through choice - often upgraded (easier as a single traveller). Plus I get shed loads of food and booze allowance each day ... maybe I do have it good after all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Micky Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 My company must be extremely relaxed then, I book my own hotels and flights of my own choosing - have stayed in some lovely hotels and always fly BA through choice - often upgraded (easier as a single traveller). Plus I get shed loads of food and booze allowance each day ... maybe I do have it good after all! This is how I work as well, I have a co credit card for all expences and I book all of my own hotels, flights and hire cars. I have daily limits for food, but I'd be a right fat b@st@rd if I was to use the lot..! Unfortnately I don't have any booze allowance - but hey ho, can't have it all. Finding a decent hotel with free wifi these days is not too difficult, and at the end of the day, if you have to pay, then just pay for a couple of days during your trip. Funnily enough - as I type I am currently on business in the UK, in a fairly crappy hotel, on their free wifi....!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SO16_Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Congrats on the new job, liquid. What will you be doing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 8 August, 2012 Author Share Posted 8 August, 2012 My company must be extremely relaxed then, I book my own hotels and flights of my own choosing - have stayed in some lovely hotels and always fly BA through choice - often upgraded (easier as a single traveller). Plus I get shed loads of food and booze allowance each day ... maybe I do have it good after all! In my present job this sort of thing is a lot more relaxed. I have a say in hotel etc and can claim back quite a bit for food etc. it might be the same in the new company but I've only had the official line so far. Bridgey, Cheers, I'll be doing new comms equipment installations. (won't be too specific for sake of my identity) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SO16_Saint Posted 8 August, 2012 Share Posted 8 August, 2012 In my present job this sort of thing is a lot more relaxed. I have a say in hotel etc and can claim back quite a bit for food etc. it might be the same in the new company but I've only had the official line so far. Bridgey, Cheers, I'll be doing new comms equipment installations. (won't be too specific for sake of my identity) Nice, good luck. Job sounds similar to what my company does - install and maintenance if AV and TelePresence systems. Lots of overseas travel for my guys. Tough job, living out of a suitcase. On the plus side, they get to see the world (airports, hotels and offices). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 8 August, 2012 Author Share Posted 8 August, 2012 Nice, good luck. Job sounds similar to what my company does - install and maintenance if AV and TelePresence systems. Lots of overseas travel for my guys. Tough job, living out of a suitcase. On the plus side, they get to see the world (airports, hotels and offices). That doesn't sell it too much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SO16_Saint Posted 9 August, 2012 Share Posted 9 August, 2012 That doesn't sell it too much Ha - just seen your PM. It's a really interesting job actually. we've just a had a few guys out in italy, Germany and Spain doing installs - and some are back out to Russia shortly. see you soon.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liquidshokk Posted 9 August, 2012 Author Share Posted 9 August, 2012 Ha - just seen your PM. It's a really interesting job actually. we've just a had a few guys out in italy, Germany and Spain doing installs - and some are back out to Russia shortly. see you soon.... Got back from stag do in Milan Monday and going to Spain between now and start date so I'll certainly be used to flying around europe. Can't wait for those airports, hotels and offices elsewhere ciao Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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