I quite often include the ATSU that will cover me on parts of my flight, so as to ensure that they know I want to transit their zone / talk to them, and if they are good controllers they will already know my details, and be able to clear me through on first call, or tell me to go away!
This is particularly useful for flights through Oostend, as they have all your details, and appreciate being notified, or French ATSU whilst wanting to transit D or R areas, as they will already know what you intend to do, and roughly at what time. (you can request to transit all the zones in one go by asking the controller if they're not too busy!)
It all depends on the type of flying you're doing of course!
With regards to alternates, if you state them as alternates on the Flight Plan, they will already have a copy sent to them. BUT - remember that you may still require PPR at your alternate unless you declare an emergency!
Last edited by alex90; 3rd Aug 2017 at 17:50.
Reason: added alternates