Most of us are lucky to have a couple of stamps in our passports, or to even have a need for a passport in the first place. Ever save up for a blowout trip to some beautiful island or exotic beach? Imagine if every trip you took was to a destination like that, and you’ll start to get an idea of what it’s like to be Sofia Mulanovich. She spends her time globetrotting to the events on the ASP World Tour, soaking up rays and gliding on waves at the most sought-after surf spots in the world. Of course, that makes for a lot of plane time, so she definitely pays her dues. Read on to see how Sofia stacks up as a frequent flyer.
What’s your local airport?
Jorge Chavez International in Lima, Peru.
Total number of frequent flyer miles you have:
A lot. I’m not sure how many, though.
What countries have you flown to?
Australia, South Africa, France, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Chile, England, Indonesia, Cape Verde, United States, Fiji, and Tahiti.
Have you brought any souvenirs back from any of those countries? If so, what’s the most unique item?
I usually don’t get many souvenirs, because I hate traveling with a lot of stuff. When you go to Indonesia, you get a little bit of wooden stuff to take back home. The funniest trophy I got was when I won Bells [Bells Beach contest in Australia]. I won a bell, so on the way back home, the bell was ringing the whole time on the plane and everybody wanted to kill me (laughs).
What’s your favorite place you’ve flown to so far and why?
I love Fiji. It’s just a beautiful, remote island in the Pacific with great waves.
Have you ever flown first class?
I’ve flown business, but never first.
Do you prefer aisle or window and why?
Aisle, because I go to the toilet every minute!
Peanuts or pretzels?
Peanuts. I just like them better.
How do you kill time on the plane?
I sleep a lot—I have the ability to sleep on planes. If not, I’ll probably just listen to music.
Do you do anything different to kill time on long layovers?
I watch some shows on my computer.
Is there anything you always make sure to have with you when you fly?
My iPod and my computer.
If you had to give one piece of travel advice, what would it be?
Don’t forget your passport, and be really alert with your tickets and boarding passes.
Has anything scary, funny, or weird happened on any of your flights?
Once I was on a plane and this guy went crazy; he was doing all these really dangerous things and waving a hanger around. We had to stop and get him out of the plane. When they were taking him out, he was [trying to attack] people; he was just nuts. I was so scared. It made the news. It was on a domestic flight here in the U.S.
Have you ever missed a flight?
Yeah, I’ve missed many flights. Connections, or thinking it was a day after what it actually was.
What would make flying better or easier for you?
If I could fly in business class all the time!
