August 31, 2006
Videos NOT to Watch Whilst Aboard an Aircraft...
...unless you truly are a masochist who is a glutton for punishment.
However, while both feet are firmly planted on the ground, you might want to watch the videos posted in the Impressive Airline Videos (cross wind landings...) thread.
Posted by Canarsie at 7:31 PM
August 30, 2006
Rooms for Disabled Persons: Would You Reserve One if the Price was Right?
Imagine if you were reserving a room for yourself at a hotel via its Internet web site, when you find that you can reserve a room specifically designated for disabled persons at a less-expensive rate — perhaps potentially saving you greater than $100.00 per night.
Would you do it?
FlyerTalk member toomanybooks faced this quandary. which is why the OK to book handicapped room if able-bodied? Elite upgrades? thread was launched.
Both able-bodied and disabled FlyerTalk members have already responded to this thread, discussing scenarios as to not only debate the proper way to handle this situation, but also how other situations are handled, such as able-bodied people and their usage of parking spots and bathroom stalls designated specifically for disabled people.
If that was not enough, tall people, “people of size” and other people also weigh in on the topic as well. As you probably guessed, the discussion in this thread was rather passionate at times.
Read the thread and see what you think — then decide for yourself...
Posted by Canarsie at 7:37 PM
You May Not Get Goose Bumps from Reading This...
...but you may get voluntary “bumps” from airlines.
In addition to the plethora of threads found scattered throughout the airline forums pertaining to voluntary and involuntary bumps, be sure to read what's the secret to booking on oversold flights?, which started as a question by this FlyerTalk member with an appropriate name for this topic: I love the bump.
I can tell you from personal experience that there is nothing like finding yourself having some extra time to reach your destination, only to be offered the opportunity to be voluntarily “bumped” to a later flight, especially if that flight is not much later than the original flight on which you were originally scheduled to be a passenger.
Airlines sometimes overbook flights for various reasons and request volunteers to take a later flight in exchange for some compensation. That compensation can be in the form of a cash voucher, meals, lodging, a credit of an amount of miles or points, an upgrade on your next flight, a free flight, or a combination thereof. The best — and weirdest — thing of all is that when you thank the airline official who gave you the compensation, more often than not that person will thank you because you actually did the airline a favor!
For example, I had received a $300.00 voucher on Northwest Airlines due to volunteering to be “bumped” from an oversold flight. I used that voucher to pay for another flight, from which I again volunteered to be “bumped” due to weight restrictions. I received another $300.00 good for a future Northwest Airlines flight!
With a little planning and a lot of luck, one can actually profit from being “bumped” if one knows which flights at which times stand the greatest chance of being oversold or being restricted due to a weight limit.
Read the what's the secret to booking on oversold flights? thread to hear what other FlyerTalk members say, as well as relate their experiences and advice. Instead of goose bumps, you might just get airline “bumps”...
Posted by Canarsie at 7:18 PM
August 28, 2006
Do You Take Hotel Toiletries?
FlyerTalk member Oceanbound222 wants to know.
People do take toiletries from hotels for different reasons. I do because their size is convenient for travel in case I visit somewhere that may not have the toiletries I want or need.
If you do take toiletries from hotels, how many do you take, how often do you take them, and why do you take them?
“I too take the toiletries but for a different reason”, says FlyerTalk member 24.05.2004 in this milepost. “I spend about 80-90 nights in hotels and have customers in SJO and MGA. I take a care package of the toiletries with me when I visit and drop them off at a couple of local charities that deal with homeless street kids. The organizations love it when I appear with my bag of goodies (usually include some other things I have purchased for them like laundry soap, etc). I presume that my room rates cover the hotel’s expense of providing the toiletries and I get to pass along some kindness where it is definitely needed.”
Other FlyerTalk members also said that they donate the toiletries found in their hotel rooms.
I would think that by logging this entry, I may save the toiletries from becoming extinct if people would simply leave them alone, as the taking of toiletries is the root cause of their rapid depletion in numbers. Besides, until now, I never knew that toilets grow on and come from trees...
Posted by Canarsie at 9:01 PM
A Marketing Idea for Airlines? Taking Advantage of Increased Carry-On Restrictions Due to Security
FlyerTalk member Middle_Seat has an interesting marketing idea for the airlines in the wake of recent restrictions pertaining to what is permitted in carry-on items as a result of increased security measures.
“With so much publicity about no water and no gels allowed in carry-ons, I wonder why no airline hasn't seen it as a marketing opportunity?” Middle_Seat wonders. “I’ll bet Crest or Colgate would jump at the chance to give away free toothpaste samples to a grateful, upscale group of folks. As for the bottled water, if bottles cost 33 cents each (a guess) and you hand out 300 per flight, you’ve only spent $100 per plane. Yet, suddenly you become the airline that cares about its pax (even those in coach)...I can hear the background music in the TV commercial right now.”
I can hear it too, Middle_Seat — as well as some of the new airline slogans:
- Come fly the airline that Delta nice amenity kit to you on your last flight and will do so on your next flight.
- Get your Complimentary Dental on Continental!
- Karry Liquids More on KLM.
- Alaska flight attendant for a special amenity kit on Alaska Airlines.
- Go ahead and Czech your personal items on CSA Czech Airlines. We’ll take good care of you!
On the other hand, MKEbound has a similar idea, except it involves hotels instead of airlines...
Posted by Canarsie at 8:35 PM
August 26, 2006
If You Do Not Like Bathroom Humor, Skip This Entry...
...as it would be a waste of your time to read this.
However, if you do, urine luck!
Take the plunge and read this story about FlyerTalk member El Boocho, who must have exclaimed “Oh, sheet!” when he found that his bed was ... well ... moist, to say the least.
Let’s just say that he discovered “gold” accidentally — in its liquid form, apparently left as a blanket statement by someone else.
Wait — it gets bladder, folks! I kidney you not!
After being bowled over by the odor, El Boocho was flushed with anger. He aimed to complain to management of the hotel property, who tried to have El Boocho pipe down about his discovery. El Boocho was too drained to move to another floor, but he was somewhat relieved when management offered him 5,000 bonus points for his troubles.
El Boocho still has not received his points as of this writing, which impeeded upon his satisfaction. This is simply plumb inexcusable and is intestinement of the lack of attention to detail apparently performed by this hotel property.
Does this story wet your appetite to read more? Well, water you waiting for?!? By all means, read all about it!
I apologize in advance that this thread is not presented in streaming text and graphics, despite the fact that the details are slightly graphic.
Tank you for your understanding...
Posted by Canarsie at 5:35 PM
August 25, 2006
Would You Use Your Miles or Points for The Company?
You read the question correctly.
If your boss requested that you use your personal stash of miles or points for the next business trip, would you use them?
FlyerTalk member Jon Toner encountered this every conundrum, which is why he launched the Boss asking me to use miles for company travel... thread. Angered, he reasoned that the miles he earned are “SCANT compensation to the 100+ days on the road and away from my family”. He does not even want to go on this business trip, let alone use his miles and points!
Not so fast, says FlyerTalk member AAaLot, who adamantly posts here that “the miles that were earned during company travel belong to the company” and that “time on airplane, away from home, etc. are apparently part of the job you accepted.”
Could trouble be ahead with regards to the company, as FlyerTalk member Bonehead suggests here? “Perhaps the company is not doing so well?” he asks.
“If you think you are at all replaceable, and you value your job (and times are tough for lots of folks), I’d unhappily play ball. Lose miles, or lose your job? In this economy?” questions FlyerTalk member BoSoxFan45 here, suggesting not to be hasty with automatically outright refusing and protesting this apparent sudden change in corporate policy.
The last response in that thread was posted on October 25, 2003, which is almost three years ago. Given the cutbacks in services and amenities coupled with the devaluation of miles and points, combined simultaneously with the steady increase in travel expenses and arguably the most restrictive security measures ever implemented and currently in place, I have to wonder how frequent travelers would debate this topic in 2006. I would bet that with the increases in expenses almost surely exceeding the increase in wages that more frequent travelers would consider the miles and points they earn while on the job away from home to be theirs. After all, it seems to take more to earn miles and points while traveling in August of 2006 than at any other time in the history of frequent traveler programs.
More debate, arguments, thoughtful discussion and even suggested tactics on how to avoid confrontation pertaining to this issue can be found at the Boss asking me to use miles for company travel... thread.
Posted by Canarsie at 8:28 PM
August 24, 2006
Batteries Not Included, Part II: Apple Macintosh Laptop Computers
FlyerTalk member techgirl first wrote about the Dell battery recall here in this FlyerTalk “blog”.
Well, Dell computer owners are not the only ones that are concerned about their batteries. Apple is now recalling batteries for G4 laptop computers manufactured between 2003 and 2006. FlyerTalk member climbermom was gracious enough to launch the MAC Battery Recall thread to call this to the attention of all FlyerTalk members who are Apple Macintosh laptop computer users and make them aware.
For what it is worth, I have been a devoted Apple Macintosh computer owner for many years. Fortunately, I do not own the laptop computers in question. However, I thought that those FlyerTalk members who have the burning question about the explosive issue of Apple Macintosh laptop computer batteries should be plugged into the latest news and developments.
Posted by Canarsie at 10:08 PM
Getting Information from FlyerTalk Can Be a Very “Sticky” Situation, Part II: Check Those “Sticky” Threads!
This is an addendum to what I posted here in this FlyerTalk “blog”...
Tonight, I edited The Definitive “How To Earn Delta Air Lines SkyMiles” Thread, which is linked from within the PLEASE READ FIRST: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Anything To Do With Delta thread, to update the information in it.
While editing it, I found out that some changes have quietly occurred.
For example, many properties in the Marriott brand family that used to award 3 Delta Air Lines SkyMiles per US$1.00 spent on qualifying charges now only award 2 Delta Air Lines SkyMiles per US$1.00 spent on qualifying charges.
On the other hand, all Hilton properties now have the option of earning 1 Delta Air Lines SkyMile per eligible US$1.00 spent in addition to 500 Delta Air Lines SkyMiles per qualifying stay, which was the only option previously.
There have been subtle changes on which classes of airfares on many airline partners are eligible to earn Delta Air Lines SkyMiles — too numerous to mention here. While in many cases on a number of airline partners, an increasing number of airfares are no longer eligible to earn Delta Air Lines SkyMiles, there are some airlines partners that actually increased the number of airfares that are eligible to earn Delta Air Lines SkyMiles — albeit, most of the time, only one airfare class was added.
There are many other changes overall that are too numerous — and, quite frankly, rather miniscule — to even mention here. The point is that one should include a check of the “sticky” threads in addition to other sources of information to remain current with the numerous amount of changes that occur in a frequent traveler program that earns points or miles.
Posted by Canarsie at 8:56 PM
Some FlyerTalk Threads Cross the Line. This is Not One of Them...
The NOT crossing the border thread is, at best, a borderline topic launched by MileageAddict, who is one of the original members of FlyerTalk.
Do you dare live on the edge and post in this thread?
If not, you can always read about fellow FlyerTalk members who were so close to entering another country or other jurisdiction but never actually set foot in it.
I personally do not recall an instance where I have been so close to a border but have not actually crossed it. I suppose that when I visited Iguazu Falls in Argentina, Paraguay would qualify, but it was not as though I was close enough to see it or walk to it. Of course, I could not resist crossing over into Brazil — but that is another story...
The topic of this thread is interesting enough that one should not be bored with the discussion, or get even bored-er if the discussion further ensues.
One question comes to mind: if one actually stepped into that adjacent jurisdiction but immediately stepped back out of it again, would that person become a Double-Crosser?
I would be line to you if I said that posting that question was unintentional...
Posted by Canarsie at 7:21 PM
Chain Restaurants
You have just checked into a hotel in a strange city to which you have never been, far away from home.
You are hungry and seeking a restaurant in which to eat, but you currently do not feel adventurous in sampling the local cuisine. Somehow, stewed possum eyeballs sprinkled with braised roach legs topped with sauerkraut whipped cream does not whet your appetite tonight.
Despair starts to set in, until you recognize a familiar logo burning brightly off in the distance under the dark nighttime sky.
It is a chain restaurant!
But wait — is it any good?
Find out from your fellow FlyerTalk members using one of the following links to keep you from being chained to your decision:
Chain restaurants that are actually good
What is your favorite/least favorite chain restaurant?
Fast Food Chain You Absolutely Detest
Of course, McDonald’s is usually a good stand-by on which to fall back when all else fails. Oddly enough, it has been my personal experience that McDonald’s restaurants outside of the United States are typically far superior than their counterparts within the United States overall in terms of quality and service.
Find out more in the Mcdonalds around the world thread.
Bon appetit!
Posted by Canarsie at 10:47 AM
Ask the Hotel Guru
Do you have a question about what goes on behind the scenes during your hotel stay, such as how much to tip the housekeeper or whether or not comment cards are really read? What advice do you need for handling and resolving an adverse situation that you recently experienced at a hotel property?
There is room to check in to the Ask me a hotel question thread where your concierge, FlyerTalk member g_leyser, will be more than happy to address and respond to your questions and comments.
You may want to lobby some support for this FlyerTalk landmark from your fellow FlyerTalk members to check out this thread, as it may be key to unlocking some of the secrets pertaining to little-known hotel operations that may be revealed.
Posted by Canarsie at 10:27 AM
Rent a Car for Healthy Teeth and Fresh Breath!
Although most FlyerTalk members have not yet personally experienced this for themselves as this “blog” entry is being posted, apparently if one rents a car from Avis from one of 25 major United States airports, one will receive a “smile pack” containing toothpaste, mouthwash and dental floss on the front seat of the car to which one is assigned upon arrival.
The trouble is that the toothpaste, mouthwash and dental floss are full-size packages, not travel size. So what does one do if one is only away for a day or two? Due to current increased security measures, one must either dispose of these items (well, except the dental floss, of course) or check them.
Will dentists start recommending that one rents a car from Avis for healthier teeth and fresh breath?
Will car rentals from Avis be officially approved by the American Dental Association?
Please check the Avis to provide us with toothpaste!! thread for further discussion.
Posted by Canarsie at 12:43 AM
August 23, 2006
Bombing Out at a Security Checkpoint
Now what in the world would compel a potential passenger to commit such a foolish act as to falsely admit to a Transportation Security Administration agent that he was carrying a bomb instead of telling the truth and describing what he was really carrying?
In fact — what was he carrying? Additionally, what was the reason as to why he lied to the Transportation Security Administration agent?
You will not believe the details of this bizarre story — nor the response of fellow FlyerTalk members — when you read it in the Screen THIS thread...
Posted by Canarsie at 11:51 PM
FlyerTalk Destination Spotlight: Atlanta
Atlanta?!?
Yes, even though I reside in the Atlanta area, I will admit that unless one is into Civil Rights or Civil War, both in which Atlanta played a significant role, there really is not much to see and do in the Atlanta area.
However, FlyerTalk member flygirl555 already hosted one gathering of FlyerTalk members in the Atlanta area this past July and is getting ready to host another one: the ATL - "HOT"LANTA DO II - Sept 22-24 on the weekend of September 22 through 24, 2006.
While some potential sites to see on that weekend include the new Georgia Aquarium, which recently celebrated its 3,000,000th visitor despite being open for only approximately 9 months since its Grand Opening, the laser show on the side of Stone Mountain, which is followed by fireworks, and a tour of the historic Fox Theatre, the one I would recommend by far is the tour of the Delta Air Transport Heritage Museum — especially for FlyerTalk members who are interested in aviation history and aircraft. A quick outline of the Delta Museum is provided by me here.
Please read about my personal experience here, which includes a rare and unexpected tour of “Ship 41”, the first DC-3 to carry Delta passengers. This aircraft is not a replica — it is the real thing!!!
As a bonus, here are some pictures, courtesy of allen074 and flygirl555.
I took this picture, this picture and this picture of allen074 in the cockpit of a redesigned section of the hull of the first L-1011 ever built, housed in a part of what is now an 800-square-foot museum gift shop!
Come on down (or up) to Atlanta. “It ain’t just for changin’ planes no more!”
Posted by Canarsie at 9:29 PM
Ask and Ye Shall Receive, Part 3: Comparison of Mileage Expiration Policies for Airlines Around the World
In this entry that I posted to this FlyerTalk “blog”, I wrote Now if FlyerTalk can also have a similar list for all other airlines outside of the United States...
A mere few hours later, FlyerTalk member Kiwi Flyer granted that request by posting the Definitive list of FFPs mileage expiry in the MilesBuzz! forum.
All I can say is thank you to Kiwi Flyer, who is an asset to FlyerTalk!
Now if only the rest of that request could be granted: a similar comprehensive list of expiration policies for the frequent guest programs of hotel chains worldwide and the frequent renter programs of car rental companies worldwide — if those do not already exist, that is...
Posted by Canarsie at 11:21 AM
August 22, 2006
Ask and Ye Shall Receive, Part 2: Comparison of Mileage Expiration Policies for Airlines Based in the United States, and Delta Air Lines Specifically
Although FlyerTalk member Kiwi Flyer first mentioned this topic here in this FlyerTalk “blog”, please allow me to further elaborate on this topic, as well as specifically mention the new policy change pertaining to the expiration of Delta Air Lines SkyMiles.
All FlyerTalk member SealBeach did was ask a simple question:
“Is there a definitive and/or comprehensive list somewhere of the US carriers' mileage expiration policies?”
Only two hours and one minute elapsed until a comprehensive but incomplete list of the mileage policies of many airlines based in the United States was graciously posted by FlyerTalk member choster.
Fourteen minutes after that, FlyerTalk member soitgoes amended the list with additional information.
How is that for service?
This thread not only epitomizes the MilesBuzz! forum where it resides, but also exemplifies the intended purpose of what FlyerTalk is all about, at its very core.
Read all about it in the Definitive List of US Carriers' Mileage Expiration Policies? thread!
Now if FlyerTalk can also have a similar list for all other airlines outside of the United States, as well as a comprehensive list of expiration policies for the frequent guest programs of hotel chains worldwide and the frequent renter programs of car rental companies worldwide, that would be great — that is, if those threads do not already exist...
According to Delta Air Lines, effective December 31, 2006, Delta Air Lines SkyMiles will expire after two years without any account activity (earning or redeeming, for example). Currently, any mileage activity within a three-year period prevents SkyMiles from expiring. Delta Air Lines is making this change to reduce the mileage liability for members who are no longer active and to reduce overall program administrative costs. Mileage balances of members who have had no SkyMiles activity within the last two calendar years (2005 and 2006) will expire on December 31, 2006.
Of course, there are differing opinions to the new policy change by FlyerTalk members participating in the Skymiles to expire in 2 yrs begining Jan 2007 thread.
FlyerTalk member NoStressHere predicts here that this new policy will expunge many SkyMiles members, many SkyMiles accounts, and many SkyMiles from the Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program — especially affecting the SkyMiles members who only travel occasionally.
However, FlyerTalk member MileKing states here that he believes that this is yet another “enhancement” to the Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program that is not in favor of the customer.
In response, FlyerTalk member cj001f finds that the new SkyMiles expiration policy is an improvement.
The debate continues from that point in this thread...
Posted by Canarsie at 4:28 PM
What Do Business Travelers Do in Case of Delays?
As a business traveler, I know that a delay can occur when I least expect it, whether it is due to weather or mechanical issues. It does irk me somewhat that I could be delayed due to a distant source of a problem. It is certainly difficult that a flight is delayed due to weather when the weather where I am located is sunny with clear skies.
I was privileged with touring the operations center at Delta Air Lines, which is a rare opportunity that I was thankfully granted. A Delta Air Lines pilot even admitted that they do not get to regularly visit that sensitive area of Delta Air Lines. However, seeing the facility and how it is operated, as well as talking to some employees there first-hand, gave me an unrealized appreciation for what Delta Air Lines attempts to do in a delay situation.
Still, depending on the delay, that does not always mitigate my frustration sometimes despite my increased understanding of how a delay is handled.
Typically, I usually leave the evening before the day I am to conduct business. I do not particularly enjoy waking up at 2:30 in the morning, getting to the airport, catching the first flight out to my destination, renting a car, driving to the customer, only to first begin conducting a full day of business where I am expected to be sharp and at my best. A delay not only exacerbates this scenario, but also can ruin a day of business — especially when I show up late to the customer site. By leaving on my business trip the night before I am expected to conduct business, I am assured of getting my rest, not worrying about delays or being on-time for my meeting — and, because I stay overnight in a hotel, I get points and credit towards elite status for next year! That is typical of the persona of a FlyerTalk member, is it not?
Anyway, the key to successful business travel, in my own opinion, is being able to successfully balance one’s own personal time with one’s official business time — specifically, how to spend the least amount of time and the least amount of money and yet the most miles and points I can accrue while, most importantly, ensuring the best possible outcome of a successful business trip. I am usually quite good at achieving these objectives.
These days, due to rising fuel costs and increased security measures, more time and more money are unfortunately being spent on the same trip that was taken last year at this time, which therefore reduces the efficiency that I seek as a result of each trip.
It is therefore increasingly understandable — especially these days — why business travelers would want to exchange information pertaining to knowing how to anticipate delays and the best, most efficient method of handling them, as discussed in the Business travelers: what do you do if your business trip is impacted by a delay? thread.
Posted by Canarsie at 10:24 AM
August 21, 2006
Getting Information from FlyerTalk Can Be a Very “Sticky” Situation, Part I
This is simply a reminder that before posting on FlyerTalk requesting or providing information, one may want to do a Search for the topic first to ensure that an identical topic has not already been posted.
Sometimes, the Search function as well as searching for FlyerTalk threads using www.google.com is not always precise or could expend a lot of time.
When entering a FlyerTalk forum, look towards the top. You may find threads called “sticky” threads. These are threads which were deemed important enough to remain “stuck” at the top of the forum for easy access.
Often times, these “sticky” threads contain links to threads with frequently asked questions or threads with valuable information.
Here are a few examples of some of the many valuable “sticky” threads found throughout FlyerTalk:
- SQ FAQ: A Compilation of FTers Advice and Experiences in the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer forum
- A Collection of the Most Useful and Interesting MilesBuzz Threads in the MilesBuzz! forum
- PLEASE READ FIRST: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Anything To Do With Delta in the Delta SkyMiles forum
- The all new and updated Ultimate BRITISH AIRWAYS Guide in the British Airways Executive Club forum
The next time you wander into a FlyerTalk forum seeking advice or looking to post valuable information, please stick to this advice: look at the top of the forum and see what “sticky” threads — if any — are available.
Posted by Canarsie at 10:26 PM
Never Use Miles on a Domestic Coach Award?
Well, I would not actually say never.
However, I generally agree that using one’s miles for an international trip is usually a more efficient way to use one’s miles for travel.
As a Delta Air Lines SkyMiles member, I usually do not use my SkyMiles unless I travel internationally. Even though airfares have generally been slowly but steadily increasing overall, I would rather spend the $300.00 on a round-trip airfare between Atlanta and Los Angeles, for example, than use my miles.
On the other hand, I would rather spend 50,000 miles on an international SkySaver itinerary to Europe.
This is generally because I know I have a chance of upgrading on a domestic flight within the United States due to my Gold Medallion SkyMiles status, whereas I have no chance of upgrading on the lowest-fare itinerary to Europe.
Also, because a stopover or “open-jaw” is allowed, I had an itinerary from Atlanta to Newark to Prague to Larnaca to Prague to Venice to Paris to Atlanta, for example. My destination was to Larnaca in Cyprus; my stopover was in Venice to meet fellow FlyerTalk members.
However, due to the airlines’ schedules, I received the extra bonus of a 10-hour layover in Prague at no extra charge!
To summarize, I was able to spend a couple of days in Larnaca and Nicosia in Cyprus, a few days in Venice, and a full ten hours in Prague, which is plenty of time to see much of the city — all for 50,000 Delta Air Lines SkyMiles!
Imagine how much money it would have cost me had I purposely booked a similar itinerary!
Based on this and other personal experiences, as well as the reasons I have stated, I find I get much more additional value per mile spent on an international itinerary than on a domestic one.
Do you agree, or do you have a different opinion? What have you personally experienced?
Go to the NEVER! Use miles on a domestic coach award! thread to read more about the experiences and opinions of other FlyerTalk members, or post your own experience or opinion.
Posted by Canarsie at 9:56 PM
Experiencing First Class on an Economy Class Budget
These days, as fuel prices surge, causing airfares to skyrocket, and with most airlines cutting back on services in all classes, it is important to try to make the travel experience as tolerable as possible.
However, FlyerTalk member mikeinseattle wants to go beyond simply tolerable as he has some interesting ideas on how to create the First Class experience while traveling on an economy fare — and he requests assistance on how to do so in the Help me create the first class experience while traveling economy thread.
Some of his ideas include purchasing your own food and in-flight entertainment before boarding the aircraft. He points out that even the most expensive options will most likely cost less than the difference between a premium class airfare and an economy class airfare, and both will most likely be of far better quality than what would be provided by the airline — that is, if the airline even provides food or in-flight entertainment.
FlyerTalk member GG recommends here bringing such personal items as slippers, earplugs, moisturizer (unfortunately, this is currently not allowed on-board these days), a travel pillow and even a footrest with which to pamper oneself.
As moisturizer and other liquids and gels are currently not permitted aboard the aircraft in ones carry-on, creating the First Class experience while traveling on an economy fare has become far more challenging.
Are you willing to help and contribute to the cause? If you have any good ideas to add to this thread, you just might enhance the travel experience of many frequent fliers with one click of the mouse...
Posted by Canarsie at 8:14 PM
Have You Ever Been the Only Passenger in First Class?
Imagine boarding an aircraft, knowing that you will be a passenger sitting in the First Class cabin.
Now imagine that you have this cabin all to yourself.
What does this rare occurence feel like?
Well, in case there may be a possibility that you may never experience this phenomenon personally, then at least you have the opportunity to live vicariously through the postings of FlyerTalk members in this thread.
Then again, if you have already experienced being the sole passenger in the First Class cabin — as I have — then by all means please post your experience in that thread!
Enjoy — and please fully recline your seat, slip into something more comfortable, order the champagne, caviar, filet mignon and cherries flambée and enjoy whilst you read that thread...
Posted by Canarsie at 8:02 PM
The Top Ten Problems FlyerTalk Members Have With Frequent Flyer Programs
FlyerTalk members list the problems that they have with the frequent flyer programs of airlines in this thread, launched by none other than Randy Petersen.
Although the thread was launched approximately three years ago — on August 28, 2003 at 6:51 in the evening (18:51 hours) Eastern Daylight Time, to be exact — the question is as pertinent today as it ever was.
Amongst the problems listed are, in no particular order:
...and this is only a partial list.
What is your Top Ten List of problems that you have with your favourite frequent flyer program?
Posted by Canarsie at 8:26 AM
August 20, 2006
New York City: Eat!!! HEY — I’m tawkin’ to awl of YOOZE!!!
As a native New Yorker now living in the Atlanta area, I miss a lot of the food to which I became accustomed whilst growing up.
If you have a trip to New York City planned in the future, I recommend you first peruse the following FlyerTalk threads and mileposts:
I also recommend eating at Italian and Chinese restaurants in New York — and I am referring to the real neighborhood restaurants, not the “fancy-schmancy” ones, that one can especially find in the “outer boroughs” of Brooklyn, Queens, Da Bronx and Staten Island.
Also, sample some baked goods at both a Jewish bakery and an Italian bakery. Both are excellent but are distinctly different.
For the more adventurous, there are virtually every other type and kind of ethnic and international restaurants and food stores in local neighborhoods: Jamaican, Russian, Cuban, Korean, Greek, and Puerto Rican to name a few.
Oh, I almost forgot one more thing: please don’t forget to bring me back some of everything. I’m hungry...
Posted by Canarsie at 9:34 PM
Before You Read This, Why Don’t You Slip Into Something More Comfortable...
...like pajamas, when you find yourself as a passenger on-board an aircraft assigned to a long-haul flight?
Perhaps you prefer a T-shirt and sweatpants or surgical “scrubs” from a hospital, as noted by some FlyerTalk members?
Apparently, more people than you may have thought change their clothes before going to sleep on a long-haul flight.
Of course, if you are FlyerTalk member Gargoyle, all of the above options may be overdressed compared to the attire in which he prefers to sleep, which is optional in the summertime — at home, anyway. That is probably more information than you wanted to read...
I prefer to keep my clothes on, thank you very much.
Posted by Canarsie at 9:17 PM
You arrive late at night at your hotel. There is no front desk clerk to be found. Your family waits in the car. What do you do?
Do you wait patiently for someone to show up?...
...or do you take matters into your own hands, as FlyerTalk member BJfly decided to do in this thread whose title, interestingly enough, is Did I do the right thing?
What would you do?
Posted by Canarsie at 9:08 PM
August 19, 2006
Indisputable Proof that FlyerTalk Members are Spaced Out
The following threads are simply out of this world:
All I can say is just imagine how many frequent flier miles one can earn with simply one round-trip flight between Earth and Pluto...
Posted by Canarsie at 11:44 PM
A Thread for Road Warriors?
When one travels, inevitably sooner or later one has to drive or be driven to one’s destination, whether it is from the airport to the hotel, from the hotel to the client, or from the vacation spot to the restaurant.
I hope you do not mind me blowing my own horn and shifting gears here, but please allow me to steer you in the right direction and introduce to you The FlyerTalk Road Network Forum, a FlyerTalk thread launched by me.
One does not need to be a “roads scholar” or to be “street smart” to take a brake and partake in the interesting facts pertaining to roads and highways around the world in this thread as a result of the drive signaled by fellow FlyerTalk members. If you find yourself lane around with a few minutes to spare, take the high road, get up to speed and participate — you might just ramp up your knowledge about roads and highways. The thread has already experienced a lot of traffic in its existence.
Merely reading this blog entry is a sign that you should review that thread. Exit now to the route cause of why I posted this transmission.
Wheel see about whether or not you will enjoy the thread...
BONUS: Find out What Personal Car(s) FlyerTalk Members Drive.
Posted by Canarsie at 7:36 PM
Put Your Travel Plans on Ice!
No — I do not mean to infer that you should stop traveling. On the contrary...
Things seem to be heating up in the Antarctica forum, as more FlyerTalk members are posting to this forum than in the past.
There has only been one thread posted each in 2002 and 2003, which is during the time when the forum was as desolate as its real-life counterpart and namesake. Four threads were posted in all of 2004, but only one of those threads actually contains a reply.
However, in 2005 and yet again in 2006, there has been a steady increase in traffic in the Antarctica forum, both in terms of views and the amount of content posted by FlyerTalk members.
The most popular threads in the Antarctica forum are, in no particular order:
The last thread is a discussion of FlyerTalk members actually wanting to gather and meet someday on the icy continent that is regarded as the last frontier on Earth in terms of land mass.
All I can advise is to go with the floe and read the threads in the Antarctica forum. If you want to break the ice with fellow FlyerTalk members, don’t cap your desires — go ahead and post in the Antarctica forum! There is no need to be concerned with discussions that have potentially “slippery slopes” or having to put controversial topics on the shelf. Just “chill out” with other FlyerTalk members who either have already been to Antarctica and are willing to share the memories and experiences that are already forever frozen in their minds, or who want to someday be there.
Antarctica is the only continent to which I have not been yet. However, I hope to personally experience it someday — and that would be really cool...
Posted by Canarsie at 12:02 PM
Who Does Not Want Miles?
At first glance, the following statement sounds as though it is completely against the very nature of what FlyerTalk is all about:
Dear Delta: I Don't Want Skymiles!
What would provoke a FlyerTalk member to flagrantly commit such sheer blasphemy — and publicly, no less? That is like saying to United Airlines that one does not want Mileage Plus miles or Hilton Hotels that one does not want Hilton HHonors points.
However, of course, the point of that FlyerTalk thread is miles away from what it initially seems...
Posted by Canarsie at 11:50 AM
Where to Find Advice on How to Save Money: How About an Airline?
There is plenty of advice from many different sources on how to save money — including FlyerTalk.
However, some people may find it difficult to take advice from an airline currently sorting out its own financial problems under bankruptcy protection:
Northwest Airlines Apologizes After Money-Saving Ideas Offend Workers
Now if only the airline — especially its executives — would follow its own advice...
Posted by Canarsie at 9:50 AM
Need an Escort to Visit Your Hotel Room? Read This First...
Imagine being quite lonely and needing some excitement far away from home at a hotel property located in the burgeoning metropolis of Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
One unlucky man decided to spice up his life by calling for an escort.
What happened next should serve as a lesson for anyone who is unable to stay awake — or conscious — before the escort arrives at one’s hotel room:
Things to keep in mind during your next stay at the Marriott West in Pewaukee, WI!
Posted by Canarsie at 9:22 AM
August 18, 2006
Recruiting New FlyerTalk Members, One at a Time...
Today, someone wanted to set an appointment with me for a certain date, but I replied that I will be in Europe on that date...
“Really?!?”
...for two weeks...
“Wow!”
...in Business Class...
“Huh?!?”
...for US$180.00 round-trip...
“You gotta be kidding me!”
...including all taxes and fees!
“No way!!! How in the world did you find out about that?”
By the expression on her face, one can almost see the question marks flying out of her head in all different colors and sizes and quickly piling up on the floor around her.
I then proceeded to explain to her about FlyerTalk, the Mileage Run forum and the specifics of obtaining a mistake fare.
I probably should have explained to her that I will not only be earning miles but will also re-qualify for Elite status once again for next year as a result, but she was already overwhelmed and excited about this...this “FlyerTalk” thing...
She was also informed of the main purpose of FlyerTalk: how to maximize earning and using miles and points from frequent traveler programs.
I even told her that there is a Budget Travel forum where she could save money on all different aspects of travel.
I wrote down everything she needed to know about FlyerTalk, as she is already a frequent traveler.
Needless to say, I predict that FlyerTalk will have yet another new member sometime in the near future...
Posted by Canarsie at 10:27 PM
Omelet You Read The Following...
I do not mean to egg you on with a crack about omelets, but the yolk is on you if you are not the least bit curious as to what ingredients that no fewer than a dozen FlyerTalk members prefer in an omelet.
You are invited to poach upon and read this thread. Chick it out. It is the white thing to do, and your disposition as a result will be sunny-side up — especially if you are feeling fried after a long, hard day, or if your mind is simply scrambled.
I now realize that my comments are getting a little cheesy. I will stop peppering this entry (or, should I say, entrée) with further punniferous commentary...
Posted by Canarsie at 10:15 PM
Pan Am and Elvis Presley Have Something in Common...
...speculation that neither are actually dead.
FlyerTalk member pizzamiles asks the question as to whether Pan Am is really dead.
Of course, there have been actual sightings, but despite the familiar blue globe logo and Clipper Connection service (but no Pan Am Worldpass frequent flier program, of which I was once a member), that Pan Am is not the Pam Am that was once Pan Am.
Are you still with me at this point?
Furthermore, as I reside in the Atlanta area and actually view television commercials on how Pan Am provides non-stop service on that busy, high-demand route between Atlanta to Tunica, Mississippi (!) for anyone who wants to visit the casinos in Tunica, I find it strange that that route is not connected to the rest of the "extensive" route network of Pan Am airlines.
This means that I cannot fly Pan Am from Atlanta to — say, that beautiful and exotic vacation destination known as Trenton, New Jersey, for example.
Oh, well — but I least I will not be in despair for long, as Delta Air Lines recently announced non-stop service between Atlanta and Trenton, which should begin later this autumn if all goes as planned.
Even though I have never had a reason in my entire life to visit Trenton despite (I reluctantly admit) being a New Jersey resident for four years, my life will be complete once Delta Air Lines launches this service.
In the is it true that the original Pan Am is not completely dead yet? thread, FlyerTalk member pizzamiles actually accuses Delta Air Lines as the reason for the demise of Pan Am.
Could the new service to Trenton actually be the second deliberately diabolical yet fiendish attempt by Delta Air Lines to eliminate that evil threat known as Pan Am once again, or is it simply a mere coincidence?!?
Well, one thing is for certain: Delta Air Lines was not responsible for the alleged death of Elvis Presley — or was it?!?...
Posted by Canarsie at 9:39 PM
Liquids and Gels: What Is Allowed to Carry On Board and What Is Not Allowed?
In light of recent events pertaining to increased airport security prohibiting liquids and gels from being carried on-board an aircraft, it is interesting that even the most seasoned of travelers are confused as to what is allowed to be carried on a flight and what is not allowed.
Whether it is Gummi Bears, solution for contact lenses, asthma inhalers, saline breast implants or even babies, it would seem to only be a matter of time before traveling companions will eventually be prohibited from boarding aircraft.
After all, depending on whether one is a man, woman or child, the human body is comprised of approximately 50% to 75% water.
Then again, FlyerTalk member joelfreak succinctly summed it up here in one simple sentence:
“If we just ban all humans, flying will be safe!”
Posted by Canarsie at 8:33 PM