Jetsetting with ... Dominic Lau

SINGAPORE — If you ever bump into Dominic Lau on the plane, you might not want to say hi. The TV host confessed that he’s not always the friendliest person when he’s travelling.

“It’s my shut-down zone — I don’t even want to talk to my own mother!” he laughed. “It’s that one time to get away from the hustle, catch up on TV series and just listen to my music.”

He also loves long-haul flights, particularly when there’s leg-room, like the time he managed to score a business class seat on Scoot as part of its Stretch & Splurge: Sydney campaign with co-host Paula Malai. “Let’s put it this way — I’m 1.9m tall, I need to sit comfortably, so I was really lucky I won that coin toss,” said Lau. “(Filming Stretch & Splurge: Sydney) was fantastic — there was a fun thing to do every day; whether it’s exploring Hunter Valley or sky-diving. Moreover, hanging out with the crew and being reunited with Paula was great as we used to work with Channel V together. She’s like a big sister to me.

“The not so good part? Viewers don’t get to see how it was a 10-to 12-hour shooting day. Sometimes, we have to wake up at 5.30am to make it to the location on time. Those episodes where you see bags under our eyes are because we had to be up at dawn.”

Q: So are you more of a splurge or stretch kind of traveller?

A: I think I’m right down the middle. I like to be comfortable but I don’t believe in spending too much. It’s good to be thrifty. For example, the only reason I need a hotel while travelling is for a shower and bed. To me, a hotel that costs say, $200, might be as comfortable as one that costs $400 because I don’t need chocolates on my bed or candles for turn-down service.

Q: Have you ever ended up with a shabby stay because of that philosophy?

A: Once, in Milan. I thought it would be interesting to stay in an apartment in a city known for being posh and fashionable. When I got to the place, I realised it was a student flat. There were pots and pans unwashed, dirty clothes in the laundry hamper, tea towels all over. Suffice it to say, I decided not to stay.

Q: Given your height, how do you make sure you’re comfortable while on a plane?

A: I always get the aisle seat or bulkhead seats so there’s space to stretch. I fly business class if it’s a long-haul flight but I don’t pay for them — I fly a lot for work and I use my miles accumulated to upgrade myself.

Q: Since you’re such a frequent flier, what tips do you have for other travellers on the road?

A: Make sure you’re entertained, which is key especially if you encounter delays. I always pack a charger or two with me. Have a bottle of water and dress comfortably. I don’t understand women who dress gorgeously in high heels or a tight skirt with tonnes of makeup and jewellery — how is she going to be comfortable in that? Also, dress for your destination, like taking a coat for a cold country so you can wear it immediately. I take lots of gum to keep my jaw moving. And for fresher breath! Serene Lim

The last episode of Scoot’s Stretch or Splurge Sydney will be airing on its website (www.flyscoot.com) next week.