Anybody do any long business trips to Europe on a regular basis? I am used to lots of travel in the US and Mexico (typically 5-6 hours at a shot) but I had a job offer recently that would require semi-frequent trips to Europe. I am just not sure I could deal with 11 or so hours in a regular plane seat. I am a big boy and usually leg room is at a premium on domestic flights and my company is most assuredly not going to pop for first class though Business class was mentioned in the interview. Learning Portuguese or Polish is also a little bit of a concern. I already hit em up for Rosetta stone.
Language as mentioned is pretty key.
Other tips would be, get a good cell phone (GSM) and simply buy prepaid cards in the country you are in. I spent a good amount of time in germany, france and the UK and had a sim card for each. Most were about the same to call in europe, however rates to the US were far better having a "local" phone card.
For flights, if your company will not pay for first class (which I'd really doubt unless your title started with Cxx or VP) then I'd push for business class. If they fight you about business class, you can do a few things. First, tell (Ask) them that all your tickets would need to be full fare. If they ask, just say to make sure you dont have issues with changes, etc. You can then upgrade that ticket if you have status with the airline, generally for a few thousand miles and a few hundred bucks. Just expense them back to the company, its far far cheaper usually than buying the bus.class ticket.
Stay at the same hotel as much as possible, get to know the folks there and it will make your stays much easier. They will help you with the language and can help you get a feeling of home. Try to get the same room (unless they upgrade you to something better
) and establish your routine while away.
HTH, definitely fly full fare as much as you can, your upgrade options are vastly improved that way, even if they insist on coach fares.