New guy in Seattle

[pnw01]

I have been lurking for about 6 months. I purchased a gold membership at Elena's about 3 weeks ago, I am amazed at the quantity of
positive responses to my 'expressions of interest'. I started out corresponding with RW living in the USA, however for the most part these
women had no desire to relocate, and I have no interest in moving. So now I am talking (Skype) with 2 different women every other day. One in Moscow the other in Odessa. While the 20 to 30 year old tall hard bodies are interesting fantasies, I limit my contacts to women within
15 years of my own age, that speak English, and are tall ( I am VERY tall). I am very interested in the Odessa woman (8 years younger than myself), and giving some thought to a 1 week trip in June. I am in a bit of a quandary when I ponder the expense (coach is out of the question I barely fit in business class), to meet with one woman. Meeting women aside
a summer vacation to Odessa looks like it might be fun. Any airlines I should keep away from if I make this trip?

[I/O]

women aside a summer vacation to Odessa looks like it might be fun.

The hell yes, it was (in my single days) a gentleman's ...........................let's just say the streets and beaches and parks and bars and hotels and ................. were paved with gold, much of it "Fools Gold" but gold nevertheless.

Any airlines I should keep away from if I make this trip?

Generally speaking, my advice with airlines is, if you can't pronounce the name at a glance, don't buy a ticket thereon.

[TwoBitBandit]

Generally speaking, my advice with airlines is, if you can't pronounce the name at a glance, don't buy a ticket thereon.

Oh, c'mon.  You haven't really experienced Russian culture until you've flown on with of the so-called "mini-flot" airlines on a Tupolev-154.  Wondering "holy crap, does this POS really fly?" is part of the fun. 
 

[I/O]

Oh, c'mon.  You haven't really experienced Russian culture until you've flown on with of the so-called "mini-flot" airlines on a Tupolev-154.

Probably flown more Tupperware 154's AND 134's than most guys here will have hot meals in Russia. During '04, a T134 out of Kishinev to Moscow was my introduction. 600 metres down the runway all the tray tables unlatched themselves creating the most horrible clatter. That was before we left the ground. 

Several years later, an old A310 out of Novosibirsk at 2.30am on a -7C Autumn morning certainly creates a blood curdling turbine scream as it tears it's way into the freezing Siberian night sky and is a melody one doesn't forget easily. The tune is somewhere between a mouse with a "stood on tail" and a cat being castrated without sedatives. 

FWIW, I suspect the new Fly Boy is best advised sticking to the bigger names for the most part.

[Makkin]

   I/O has sold me completely...lol. Wonderful analogy...lol.

[Sailor291]

Try Aerosvit (Ukrainian National Airline), they fly out of JFK.  I have flown them several times with no problems.  You can book your ticket online http://www.aerosvit.ua/eng.  Good luck.

[Faux Pas]

Welcome pnw01!

There's a pretty good chance most US airlines could/would accommodate you and your long legs without flying business class. Unless of course you are 7 ft, then business might be your only option. Some airlines you can call in advance others you have to make the request when checking in.

[BillyB]

I started out corresponding with RW living in the USA, however for the most part these
women had no desire to relocate,

Their are plenty of RW in the Pacific NW especially in Seattle. What do you mean they have no desire to relocate? For the right man they will relocate. They are giving you an excuse because they are not interested in you. Rejection is a part of life so it's no big deal. All you need is one to accept you but more is even better.

[Al_C]

Aeroflot is generally your best low cost option to fly there.  U.S. carriers like Delta fly there, but you will pay more.

Another choice to think of is European carriers.  The last time I went, I flew Lufstansa out and Austrian Air back, for prices competitive to Aeroflot and much better service and comfort.  The only thing is you will have to change planes in the Euro carrier's country of origin.

Where are you going in Russia?  If not Moscow, you will need to change planes anyway, and changing in Europe is much easier than changing in Moscow.

[ECOCKS]

True on that last bit, much better to change planes if possible) in Germany, Italy or Turkey than Kyiv or Moscow. More comfortable layover, some lounges/restaurants to relax in, a shop for a trinket or two and no airport switching.

[pnw01]

Thanks for the helpful information. My plan is to visit Odessa. I have been talking almost daily to a woman close to my own age who lives in Odessa. I asked and received her cell phone number in my 2nd or 3rd email. Based on reading the numerous postings I would be in violation of the 'have multiple dates scheduled rule', by making the trip to visit one woman only, oh well, aside from the Elena's Models fee and a small Skype fee I have not invested any real money, yet! Faux Pas: well it so happens I am damn near 7' tall (God I love tall women!), so I am stuck with business class airfare, or a pair of knee replacements when I return!
I really appreciate the link to Aerosvit and using a European carrier such as Austrian air, and the suggestion to make my Odessa connection in Europe. I have made a few trips to Europe on business, however I do not consider myself a seasoned international traveler.
I am always receptive to suggestions, so if anyone has additional ideas/comments let me know.

[I/O]

Emergency exit row seats don't give you enough leg room? Some airlines will pre-sell them to you now for a small premium.

[SFandEE]

Their are plenty of RW in the Pacific NW especially in Seattle. What do you mean they have no desire to relocate? For the right man they will relocate. They are giving you an excuse because they are not interested in you. Rejection is a part of life so it's no big deal. All you need is one to accept you but more is even better.

I agree there are RW and UW in Seattle, although that shouldn't keep you from looking elsewhere.  Just confirming my experience as well.  I am pretty sure there are also a lot up in Vancouver, B.C. as well.  Whenever I have been there I have always met a woman or two from Eastern Europe.


Good luck in Odessa.  That should be a fun city to meet your interest.  My suggestions would be have possible back-up plans, have a great time regardless of what happens, and if there is chemistry do your best to secure good lines of communication (phone, internet, Skype), good local vendors (flowers, gifts, services) so that you have those relationships before you leave.

Be sure and tell us all how it goes.  I think Seattle is one of our most beautiful, exciting cities in America.  She should find plenty of friends from Ukraine there.  The only drawback is the overcast/rain and traffic on the S-curves and bridges. 

[BillyB]

I agree there are RW and UW in Seattle, although that shouldn't keep you from looking elsewhere. 

I keep my eyes open everywhere and I'd be willing to go the the FSU for a good woman. I got a RW coming from Russia to see me soon and there is another RW studying in NY that will think about studying Fall quarter in my city because of her interest in me but first she's going back to Moscow for the summer. I told the NY/Moscow gal we should talk more to learn more about each other before she makes the decision.

[irish]

Welcome Aboard !!!

Don't know much about flying from the US, but www.malev.com flies from bucharest to Odessa in about 2 hours. Its not too pricey and the lady on the phone let me choose my seat. And the aircraft are new

[SFandEE]

The last time I flew Malev they were all business class seats from Budapest to Prague.  Been a while though--so maybe they have learned become more Western.  Leg space was definitely adequate.

[helenk579]

Hi !
I've just visited this forum. Happy to get acquainted with you. Thanks.

[Taz]

Welcome to the forum. Hopefully you can work out the flight issues. Does an exit row seat give you enough leg room? Go to seatguru to find out what airlines give the most room in economy class. Their is quite a range with respect to seat pitch.

I'd also suggest casting a broad net at first. Don't just focus on 2 cities. In my mind you've focused on a very commercialized city. The women have a lot exposure to foreigners. Quite often this can have negative effects. Of course each woman is an individual and should be treated as such but I've learned to avoid the cities with a lot of exposure to foreigners but this has definitely gotten more difficult over the last few years.