Recently, I fulfilled my childhood dream of flying around the globe, with fifteen flights across seven countries. Although the journey was long, I was delighted with learning about different cultures, peoples, and places throughout the trip. 

Additionally, I got to experience some of the unique differences and many similarities between US-based airlines and airlines based in Southeast Asia. Although I will share the full trip itinerary at the end, here are some major takeaways from my trip worldwide.

Efficiency on Budget Carriers

With most budget airlines, cost-effectiveness and savings are the major factors determining the passenger experience. As a result, long lines and delays often result from a lack of staff or resources allotted to each flight. 

Although my suspicions were around for the low-cost carriers in Asia managing in this same way, I couldn’t have been more incorrect. 

Throughout the trip, there were no delays due to mismanagement, flights always were speedy with checked baggage (both drop-off and pick-up), and they always managed to get passengers to the right place speedily and politely. 

Over the trip, I flew Viet Jet, Air Asia, and Cambodia Angkor Air with no challenges. The only inconvenience with these flights is that the baggage weight allowance varies between 5 to 10 kilos per ticket, which is untimely for backpackers or anyone traveling with anything more than a school bag.

Pilots

The short-haul flights within Southeast Asia must have been some of the smoothest flights I have ever been on. 

I know that weather conditions, topography, and urbanization of airport areas are factors in the takeoff and landing portions of the flight. Still, most airplanes took off and landed without feeling…as if it had never happened. 

Although I may be speaking in hyperbole, the flying experience was smooth, with no real issues or incidents. Major credit is deserved for all pilots, ground crews, and operating staff.

Airport Lounges

Although I am unfamiliar with airport lounges and do not know how they operate, the accessibility and availability of lounges throughout the region were undoubtedly impressive. 

Apart from a short spell at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) lounge, all the airport lounges were immaculately clean and provided an extra amount of local and international dishes, which catered to anyone interested. 

Also, these lounges are far cheaper for day passes in the region than in Europe or the US.

Security and Customs

All I can reflect on is to be prepared with your documents beforehand. Please bring copies of visas and have a pen on your person to fill out entry or exit forms as they come. 

I never felt like airport customs or security were too long or strenuous. Still, other travellers around me experienced some troubles with visas on arrival, which took a long time and cost a large chunk of change.

All in all, I had fun. Some flights were long and short, but getting around the globe takes a lot of work. I recommend it. Yes, but only if you have the time and willpower. Bring a good book and a neck pillow, and you’ll be fine.

Airports Visited

• Charlotte Douglass International Airport (CLT)
• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
• Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
• Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
• Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)
• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)
• Phuket International Airport (HKT)
• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)