People always ask how (and more often than not, why) I book such complex, multi-stop itineraries—often including long-haul business class flights—for not much more than they spent on a return to Spain. And the truth is… I build my trips very differently, because most of the time- I don’t care where I fly.
This post isn’t about loyalty programs or first-class hacks. It’s about getting the most flying, variety, and experience out of every trip, while still keeping costs under control. Whether you’re just AvGeek-curious or actively trying to book weird routes just for fun, here’s how I approach it.
Step 1: Set a Clear Trip Priority
Every trip I plan starts with one simple question:
“What’s the goal this time?”
Am I trying to:
- Try a specific airline or aircraft?
- Get the most flights for the least amount of money?
- Build a full business class itinerary for under £1,000?
- Create content around a trending route or cabin?
Once I know why I’m travelling, it becomes much easier to make the rest of the itinerary work around that.
Step 2: Zoom Out with Google Flights
I almost always start with Google Flights using the “Explore” or “Anywhere” function. I’ll search from my local airport—or sometimes a specific region—and just drag around the globe.
I’m not looking for a destination at this point. I’m looking for inspiration + value.
Step 3: Know the Magic Departure Points
Some cities just consistently offer better value for long-haul premium flights. Cairo (CAI), Tunis (TUN), and other North African hubs are my go-to starting points.
They often have:
- Full-service airlines offering business class to Asia or the US
- Significantly cheaper fares than departing from the UK or Europe
- Great local carriers to get you there on a positioning flight
If I see a deal from Cairo to Kuala Lumpur in business class, I’ll start planning backwards from that.
Step 4: Lock In the Premium Flight First
If I’m building around a long-haul business class deal, I lock that in first.
I might fly out in business, and return in economy or premium economy. That’s totally fine by me—I’ve gotten the highlight I wanted. Then I work around that leg to add in creative routing, fun aircraft, or stopovers.
This is also where I make sure the timing lines up for onward flights, especially when booking on separate tickets.
Step 5: Add Extra Flights on Purpose
This is where things get fun.
Rather than fly directly from A to B, I start threading in extra flights, stopovers, and new airlines. I’ll build in regional hops between countries, book separate tickets on low-cost carriers, or deliberately route through a city just to try a different cabin.
If it adds variety, another aircraft type, or a unique airport experience—it’s on the table.
One of the best tools I’ve found is PanFlights. Unlike most search engines that try to minimise layovers, PanFlights can actually show you the longest, most connection-heavy options. It’s brilliant if you’re trying to build a trip with the most flying for your money. Try it out.
Step 6: Mix Airlines and Cabin Classes
I’m not loyal to one airline. I’m loyal to the experience.
Some of my trips include four or five airlines in one direction alone, flying in economy, premium economy, and business all in one itinerary. I’ll fly with whoever gives me the right mix of:
- Aircraft type
- Route uniqueness
- Cabin value
- Filming opportunities
The only rules? Avoid repeating the same route on the same airline unless there’s a good reason to, or it’s unavoidable and just make sure I can actually travel to the destination (watching out for visa, travel advisories etc).
Step 7: Where I Actually Book
I use Google Flights and other OTAs for research—but I book direct with major airlines whenever I can.
The exception is low-cost carriers (LCCs), where I’ll use an OTA if it’s cheaper or includes extras.
They also have an “Explore Destinations” feature that’s perfect if you’ve got a couple must-see cities in mind, and want the engine to fill in the rest.
I’ve linked all my favourite tools and booking resources here.
Step 8: I’m Always Thinking About Content
Since 35Left is built around the experience of flying, I’ll always try to build a trip that helps me:
- Capture a unique route
- Compare airline products (like Qatar vs Etihad)
- Show off airport lounges, cabins, or stopovers people are curious about
- Try airlines, airports and aircraft I haven’t flown on or with before.
So even if the routing looks random, there’s always a method behind the madness—and a story to tell once I’m back on the ground.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, you probably get it.
It’s not about flying fancy. It’s about flying differently. And whether you’re planning your next big trip or just daydreaming about layovers, I hope this gave you a few new ideas.
If you want to build a similar trip and need a place to start, check out the tools and resources I use — or follow along on YouTube for the full journey.
Keep your head in the clouds,
Charlie
