Who wrote that fabulous article I just read?

 

Welcome to 2PAXfly. Let me introduce myself.

I’m Stephen Schuetz and I came late to flying. I took my first domestic flight at about 19 and didn’t fly internationally until I was 31, when I did what most Australians do, and spent 6 months travelling the world.

Well, that first flight in economy on a Thai Airways 747 from Sydney to Bangkok, and later on to London via Delhi was addictive – but in a slow burn kind of way. It took a few more years before I travelled overseas again. But since then it hasn’t stopped. I travel with my husband at least a couple of times a year internationally and within the region more often.

Background

My background is in broadcasting, arts administration, and communications. I have slightly less than a law degree (misspent youth) and a full Bachelor of Communications. I used to run a design studio specialising in online and print design. If you want to see some of our past work, head over here and if you want to send us some work, email me.

I hate the view that aeroplanes are just a means of getting from A to B and hotels are just a places to sleep. For me – a trip starts before I leave my house and ends after I have returned. It’s not just the destination but the whole experience that I love.

Economy?

I’m also not one of those people who say,

‘I’m perfectly happy in economy.’

Anyone who does is probably lying. If I had an endless budget – I would be travelling first class all the way. I don’t, so we don’t. However, I far prefer a suite to a room and prefer not to queue, and like turning left at a plane entrance.

Some of the countries I have visited to date. Mouse over to see names.

My travel experience has led to an obsession with quality in airline, airport and hotel service and design.

Yes, I have become the guy my friends come to for hotel and flight recommendations.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the budget to travel the way I would like – all the time. That’s the motivator for my interest in loyalty, points, and redemptions.

Post Pandemic?

Now that the initial horror of the pandemic is over and most of us are multiply vaccinated, travel has restarted—with a vengeance for Australians heading overseas. I’m back to my usual pattern of travel, although it’s slightly compromised by my master’s degree commitments. During the height of the pandemic, my tertiary institution allowed hybrid learning, meaning I could participate from anywhere with a good internet connection. I took full advantage!

Now, that option is no longer open to me. All classes are now face-to-face and the flexibilities and innovations during the pandemic have been abandoned.

Don’t get me started!

Boarding Area

I joined the Boarding Area platform on 21 February 2023. I had been harassing Randy Petersen for a year or two. My work paid off when he invited me and the blog to join. It took about six months for the invitation to be taken up, but I’m very happy it did.

Masking up

I still wear a mask in airports and on aircraft for most of the flight. Masks provide 65% protection, so I encourage you to do the same. Airports are notorious hotbeds of infection, and although aircraft do have highly efficient air conditioning systems, they are not fully effective until reaching cruising altitude, according to some studies.

Stephen Schuetz