HAXTRAX - Greg Hackett

What is a night’s sleep worth? Even just a fitful, semi-snooze during an international flight? As economy class travellers (which, let’s face it, is the vast majority), is a more expensive airfare worth the “investment” to arrive relatively refreshed ready for action, rather than save money on a budget option and waste two or more days recovering?

REVENGE OF THE COMPACT

Believe me, jetlag recovery takes longer as each year passes. Myself being of a somewhat “compact physique”, air travel is the one time I can get revenge on the “longer legged” passengers ... but seriously, I do feel for them. However, I’ve copped early-onset osteoarthritis in the lower back, making flying (read: sitting for extended periods) a painful challenge. I will pop a heavy-duty painkiller or a knockout tablet (both of which I avoid at any other time) to make the trip bearable and I won’t sleep and I’ll feel lousy for two to three days.

The cheaper/good value airfares for Melbourne/sydney/brisbane to Asia are predominantly overnight flights, such as Scoot via Singapore (generous carry-on weight limits but expect up to 24 hours’ travel time, and Singapore accommodation prices can be eye watering), the dreaded Jetstar Asia (once fabulous, but these days with a reputation for cancelling flights and gouging money eg: weighing the jewellery worn by women at boarding etc), Thai Airways via Bangkok, and Malaysian

Airlines via Kuala Lumpur.

LENGTHY TRANSIT TOURS

Airasia X and smaller Chinese airlines can be cheap but expect a lengthy tour of the transit lounges of Asian airports - and really not a viable option when taking check-in luggage because of the selftransfer stress and the frequency of late or cancelled flights.

Alternatively, pay twice the fare for a daytime flight, such as Qantas via Singapore, Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong, and China Southern is starting to offer some good value, daytime flights via Guangzhou. At present, I’m favouring Vietnam Airlines which has a day flight direct between Melbourne and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

VACANT SEAT VALUE

Two EXTRA seats for just USD27. Yes, just USD27/AUD40 to have two vacant seats next to mine in Economy, on the Vietnam Airlines overnight flight direct from Ho Chi Minh City to Melbourne. Stretching out and sleeping is a huge plus (but, of course, expect to sensibly sit upright and buckle up tight during severe air turbulence, for your own safety).

The meal is hot, too (*hint hint* Qantas) and the cabin crew service is superb. The Economy fare is about AUD150 cheaper than Qantas. The extra seats are available only if not sold - so check with Vietnam Airlines and Optiontown, https://vietnamairlines. optiontown.com/

My motto: “travel smart, travel happy”.

JUMP THE GUN

Boarding a flight from Bangkok to Hanoi and in “autopilot mode” having had zero sleep on the preceding overnight flight from Melbourne, I place my bag in the overhead compartment at seat 34K and then notice someone’s in the seat. Recheck my boarding pass: it’s my error, my seat is 36K and I’m two seats too early. I apologise, mumbling: “Oops, I’ve jumped the gun” - GUN! A dozen alarmed faces swing around to stare at me! South-east Asians may not be familiar with Aussie vernacular, but they sure know the dreaded “G word”. In these days of heightened security, one must carefully choose one’s words … even if half asleep.v

Follow Greg Hackett at haxtrax.com

WHEN FLYING OVERSEAS, WHAT VALUE DO WE PUT ON A NIGHT’S SLEEP, ASKS VERTICALLY CHALLENGED GREG HACKETT WHO FINDS HIS COMPACT PHYSIQUE AN ADVANTAGE WHEN FLYING.