Milton joined the FlyerTalk community in 2004 to learn how to travel well on a budget and has never looked back. Between maximising the value from US Airways Dividend Miles (RIP) and availing himself of mistake fares including the Cathay Pacific New Year Deal from Vietnam, he likes to let the deals drive the itinerary.
Favourite Flight: BA1 from London City Airport to New York JFK, operated by a dedicated Airbus A318 with 32 seats in an all business class configuration. It’s great to be able to pre-clear US Customs and Border Protection formalities in Shannon, Ireland along the way (where the flight has a short technical stop) and it doesn’t hurt that it uses the old Concorde flight number.
Does not leave home without: Rimowa cabin roller. Fits a surprising amount and has survived a trip into the Arctic Circle in mid-winter so is worth the investment. It’s a shame they have stopped making the 2 wheel version, which is much easier to manage in the real world than the current 4 wheel trend.
Do you take amenity packs: Yes, they are a nice momento of your travels and depending on the design can make great packing cubes, shoe bags or cable/tech organisers.
What do you leave at home: Laptop and camera. A quality smartphone is all the tech I need on holiday and significantly reduces the weight of your carry on, critical if you are HLO (hand luggage only).
What travel apps are on your phone: Beside the standard airline, hotel and booking portal apps, I like the Louis Vuitton City Guide (iOS/Android) for a different take on a new destination.
I’m also a big fan of the Globo – World Clock app, its simple and minimalist interface is just what you need when tackling different time zones.
Cash or Cards: My default is card, managing to spend four days in Norway without requiring local currency, but the reality in many countries including the United States is you need local currency for tips and the like.
