CaliforniaLady

I agree with jacketwatch. What jobin is suggesting, which is walking into a lounge without valid access, amounts to stealing. One must have a valid pass to enter a lounge, either through elite status with the airline, or a specific credit card with such privileges. I would not walk out of a restaurant without paying simply because I thought I would not get caught.

Gardyloo

I prefer to fly eastbound as much as possible, so that one benefits from the prevailing winds. In general transatlantic and transpacific flights are often shorter - sometimes hours shorter - when you have tailwinds rather than headwinds.

For example, one can do basically a round-the-world itinerary using Singapore Airlines and one US carrier. Fly from JFK (eastbound) to Frankfurt and on to Singapore, then, later, take Singapore's nonstop from Hong Kong to San Francisco, go through US border controls and then fly back to the east coast on United or Alaska or American... whatever works. You may have some hours on the ground in Frankfurt; you could use one of the pay-per-use lounges, but it might be worth it in terms of comfort.

I'd also pay attention to the type of aircraft being used. In particular, Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s both offer higher atmospheric pressure in flight. This can be immensely important to some people - it reduces fatigue and dryness, which on a couple of ultra-long haul flights can make a world of difference.

plr

I agree with you completely, jacketwatch.

jacketwatch