Johnny Jet's Q & A With Laura Bly

HOW OFTEN DO YOU FLY?
As often as possible - which isn't nearly enough (on average, about 10 times a year).
WHAT CLASS OF SERVICE DO YOU MOSTLY FLY IN?
Coach
FAVORITE AIRLINE?
Midwest Express and American
FAVORITE AIRCRAFT?
The microlight (think "lawn mower with wings") I took over Victoria Falls a few years back.
FAVORITE HOTEL?
For the value ($125 a night, including a river view and the best breakfast buffet I've ever sampled), the Peninsula Bangkok. For the experience (ogling a troop of baboons from an indoor/outdoor shower), the Leopard Hills Lodge in South Africa's Sabi Sand Private Reserve.
FAVORITE AIRPORT?
I have to agree with my fellow Washingtonians and pick Reagan National - it's convenient, the views are inspiring and it offers some great shopping. I love the handmade crafts and clothing at a store called As Kindred Spirits.
FAVORITE CITY?
San Francisco
AISLE OR WINDOW?
Window, unless I can score an empty middle row on an overnight flight. I never get tired of watching clouds!
ETICKET OR PAPER?
E-ticket, since I tend to be a pack-at-the-last-minute, always-forgeting-something kind of traveler
TRAVEL AGENT OR ONLINE?
Online
FAVORITE TRAVEL WEBSITE?
No favorites, though lately I've been booking more hotels through Priceline. If you don't care about a specific property and you're prepared to do pricing homework at several other sites first, you can land some terrific deals (like the Westin Riverwalk for $65 a night, where I wound up in late January after bidding for a four-star in downtown San Antonio).
FAVORITE TRAVEL COMPANION?
My husband
BEST TRAVEL TIP:
One I've learned from my Zen Buddhist spouse: Roll with the punches. Hassles are an inevitable part of travel - and they sure beat the alternative of staying home.