Ask Mr. Flight

[Chris_]

Welcome to the thread about travel, especially flying.

For those who don't know me, I am one of those "business travelers" you hear so much about.  I have about 2.5 MILLION miles across multiple carriers.  If you name a major carrier, I will tell you their home city.  I have current Executive Platinum status on American Airlines and can tell you from memory every single seating configuration for every aircraft they have.  I also have a million miles on AA, so I am Gold status for life, which means I at least can use the first class line for the rest of my (or AA's) life and can board right after 1st Class.

To start things off, here are some quick tips:

LEARN AND USE SeatGuru.com -- http://www.seatguru.com  I still use it when my memory of a craft gives way (I don't get 757's very often so I forget where the good seats are - ;) )

ASK FOR UPGRADES WHEN YOU BOOK (call them right afterwards if you book online)-- the smaller carriers (Alaska, Northwest, Mexicana, etc.) will allow you to pay for an upgrade at booking time.  THIS USUALLY MEANS ACCESS TO THEIR CLUBS AS WELL.  I will talk about the various clubs and what they offer in a future post (if this goes on).  A $100 upgrade for a 3 hour trip is $30 an hour -- if you subtract the $30-$50 club day pass, it is a very good deal.

USE THE ONLINE CHECKIN -- no great advice there.  BUT, when you get to the airport, go to the nearest manned counter (check to see if they are done with their latest outbound flght) -- and ASK FOR THE COVETED EXIT ROW OR BULKHEAD (a bit on that in a moment).  Why does this work?  Because people with Status, like me, ask for Exit Row aisle or window seats when we book (you can't do that if you don't have status and the booking agent lies and tells you it can only be done at the airport).  Well, when I get upgraded, GUESS WHAT HAPPENS TO MY EXIT ROW SEAT??  It becomes available, that is what! 

ALONG THESE LINES, when you get to your gate, wait in the line and ask for the next Exit Row or bulkhead seat(s) available.  Frequently, especially in winter and summer, Status folk travel in pairs and thus release good seats in pairs as well. Even with all my status, most times I don't get upgraded until a little while before the flight. If you ask for those seats first, you will get them.

THE LAST WORD FOR TODAY'S POST: Yes, it pays to shmooze the ground crew working the flight.  People (sometimes even me!) are getting more and more impatient as fares go up and flights get later.  The counter people get the flak and actually do a great job -- I like to hang around and hear what people have to say.  A smile and a compliment will go a LONG way, especially when there is a flight delay.  It doesn't hurt you and may get you anything from a preferred seat to a free upgrade. 

Next time (assuming I see some interest): TSA rules and procedures (practical); Bulkhead seating: why you are crazy not to use it; Rule 204 and how it puts money in your pocket; advice for medium frequent fliers; and whatever you all say you want to know about.

PM me for more details.

If you are flying soon and want advice on your particular situation, please post to the thread so we can share with everyone.

Have a great trip!

Mr. Flight

[Schadenfreude]

Just one question Mr. Flight.... when you fly, do your arms get tired? 

[Chris_]

Not to derail the thread, but is it NOT common to be able to choose your seats when you purchase your flight tickets online?  I've always had the option, no idea 

Two things:

1) Seatguru will help you get the best seats (or at least the least worst)
2) You can't get bulkheads (reserved for handicapped) nor exit rows (reserved for status fliers) online -- you will have to ask when you get to the airport.

Hit Seatguru after you request the flight but while (before) you are being asked for your desired seats-- it has great warnings.  Things like being near the restroom (which can stink), or seats that have limited legroom or recline distance.

[Chris_]

Just one question Mr. Flight.... when you fly, do your arms get tired?  :uhsure:

You have NO idea. I have biceps like Ahnold in his golden era.

[Chris_]

[2) You can't get bulkheads (reserved for handicapped) nor exit rows (reserved for status fliers) online -- you will have to ask when you get to the airport.

I've been able to pick exit row seats, using Amerian Express's online travel booking site, several times.  Didn't mean to derail your thread... feel free to have a mod delete, to clear it up, if needed.  Was just curious, if that wasn't the norm.

It is rare -- every carrier is different.  AA, UA and some others won't let you get the Exit Rows.

The thread isn't derailed at all.  AA is the 2nd largest carrier in the world and you can NOT book exit rows.  And when I fly UA, they don't allow it either.

Can you share with the thread the airline that you booked with? Or if Amex gives a strategic advantage.  That would be great information for people to know if there is a small price difference.  Being able to grab exit rows when you book is a great plus and exactly what we want to use this thread for! :)

[debk]

Delta allows you to pick seats online, I just did a few weeks ago.

I know we've gotten exit row seats and bulkhead seats, but we might have gotten those calling in on the Medallion line.

When I'm travelling by myself, I don't usually book the exit row, I take the one in front or behind it if I can. Whenever I'm in one, the flight attendants will ask about 5 times if I'm sure I can open the door. I think it's a combination of being a woman, my size, and now my age...

[Chris_]

Delta allows you to pick seats online, I just did a few weeks ago.

I know we've gotten exit row seats and bulkhead seats, but we might have gotten those calling in on the Medallion line.

When I'm travelling by myself, I don't usually book the exit row, I take the one in front or behind it if I can. Whenever I'm in one, the flight attendants will ask about 5 times if I'm sure I can open the door. I think it's a combination of being a woman, my size, and now my age...

We'll add that to the info -- and it is worth it to be asked a few times to get the exit row IMHO.

So I have gotten only a few responses -- is it worth it to keep this going?

[Chris_]

The thread isn't derailed at all.  AA is the 2nd largest carrier in the world and you can NOT book exit rows.  And when I fly UA, they don't allow it either.

Can you share with the thread the airline that you booked with? Or if Amex gives a strategic advantage.

Northwest and I'll double check later on today, but am almost certain that, I've also picked my seat while choosing a UA flight too.  Again, via using Am Ex's online travel booking site.

If it lets you book exit/bulkhead rows that is a great travel secret indeed!

[debk]

I think so....perhaps expand to more than just airline travel.

Like good places to go visit....restaurants, sights, places to stay, etc.

I think it's always helpful to get info from someone who has been "there" and their positive/negative experiences.



and I do like the exit row....but I have to confess....I'm not sure I could open the door...but I could easily be the second one out!

[Chris_]

I think so....perhaps expand to more than just airline travel.

Like good places to go visit....restaurants, sights, places to stay, etc.

I think it's always helpful to get info from someone who has been "there" and their positive/negative experiences.



and I do like the exit row....but I have to confess....I'm not sure I could open the door...but I could easily be the second one out! :uhsure:

That was what I was thinking -- travel tips, great places to vacation, how to maximize stuff from the Timeshare presentations (and blow them off), how to upgrade your room, etc. etc.

Maybe even cross-referencing to things like ACCs recent vacation pics.

[DixieBelle]

I like the topic!!!

SeatGuru does indeed rock! 

As a former airline employee, it does pay to be kind to your counter/gate agents and flight personnel.

I don't know what you use to book your travel, but for us civilians, these sites are good:

www.bookingbuddy.com
www.kayak.com
http://www.farecompare.com/resources/airline_fee_table/index.htm?

Track flight status here -
http://www.flightstats.com/go/Home/home.do

[debk]

I like checking kayak....to see what my choices are.

Getting out of Knoxville, we always fly Delta....except for our trip in June to St Croix.

We flew American....

[Chris_]

Rather than go into the boring things I promised (except for one), here is the latest advice. I offer this for less frequent fliers who may not know the rules (and who I always seem to end up behind).

TSA Security Line

When in the TSA security line, take off your shoes (WEAR SLIP ONS!) and any outer jacket or sweater (if a sweater is all you are wearing, you don't have to take it off) and put them in a bin together  If you have small liquids (3 oz or less), put them in a Glad ziplock bag* and toss them in the bin with your shoes/jacket/etc . Take your laptop out and put it in a bin BY ITSELF.  Nothing else, not a cell phone, shoes or anything with the laptop.  REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR BOARDING PASS IN YOUR HAND -- show it to the TSA agent when you walk through the metal detector.  Walk dead center through the detector. If you get near the sides it will set the detector off.  And unless you are a Rodeo Cowboy, normal belts won't set off the detector (this is based on my observations in about 20 airports -- YMMV).  Earrings and small chains won't set the detector off, either. 

*Take note!  They will not allow creams, pastes, liquid, or anything like that through.  I had a jar of Peanut Butter confiscated (even Mr. Flight doesn't always know all the rules), so be careful.  3 oz is the maximum size bottle to carry on. I have seen people get large and expensive bottles of perfume, booze and the like get confiscated.  If you ARE checking baggage on, save yourself the trouble and put all liquids, even the small ones, in your checked luggage.  You get one quart sized ziplock bag per person and they DO enforce it.  Also, no coffee, water, soda, etc.  Take an empty bottle and fill it from the drinking fountain when you get through security -- which is better than the 2 or 3 bucks they will charge you for a small bottle at the shops inside of security.

Carry on bag management

If you put small bags or items inside your bag, make them BRIGHT COLORED so you can find them.  This includes cables, earphones, and the like.  In the dim light of a plane cabin, you would be amazed at how difficult it is to find things -- even with a flashlight (always keep a small flashlight in your carry on bag).  I use the free cosmetic bags my wife gets from Clinique -- I don't care if it looks ghey, they are very bright and easy to find in my carry on.

Also, decide where everything goes in your bag and always put them back there.  Nothing is more frustrating than trying to figure out where in the hell you put your car or house keys when you get back home. Decide where they go and ALWAYS put them in the same spot.  The same for spare batteries, rX, and all the miscellany you carry on with you.

If there is any interest, I will post up ideas for travel vests (mine is like an extra bag) and what to look for in really great travel bags.

One last word about carry-on bags. If you have a roller bag AND a PC bag AND a purse, there is a better than 50% chance they will make you check your roller bag on (I don't know if they charge when they check a bag on -- I will investigate and get back).  Tuck the purse inside the roller bag and you can get away with it.  OTOH, if you are carrying a grocery bag they never count it as an additional bag.  So you can stuff some clothes or something into a plastic bag and get away with 3 bags that way.

Now, let me leave you with something -- your flight is running late and your connection is very close (inside of 30 minutes from wheels down).  What do you do?????

If there is interest, I will address that next time.

And, infrequent fliers, I am still your resource to tell you how to navigate the airline world -- just post or PM (please allow me to post your PMs unless you desire privacy).

--Mr. Flight

[debk]

Regarding the purse, tote, carry on.....

I have a big tote....it will hang over my shoulder....but it's about 18x24. I also have a backpack ( multipocket JanSport that I bought at Ross's for $10!) that has like 10 separate pockets of various sizes. Like Free said, I too, use the bright Clinique bags because I can find them in the "cavern" of my tote or backpack.

I bought a bright green card/driver's license holder. My credit cards are in there, and my driver's license in is a window. I always keep 5 $20's in it in a hidden pocket. When I travel, I add at least 1 $100 in a different hidden pocket. I also bought another bright green change holder. In it goes some change and the rest of my cash. This keeps my credit cards and cash separate. If one is lost....I'm not broke. I always put them in the same place in either my tote or backpack....that way not only do I know where they are, but I can easily check to make sure that they are where they are supposed to be. Also, they don't fall out when I'm getting something else out of the tote or backpack. They are small enough to zip into the inside pocket of the tote. I also keep my plane tickets in the same place every time. Then I don't have to think about where they are.

I no longer use travelers' checks, because on trips to Europe, the banks will keep as much as 1/4 of the value of the TC...for handling charges. Debit cards work EVERYWHERE! Just make sure to use an ATM that is part of your debit card provider...mine is Cirrus and it's clearly marked on ATM's...those are the only ones I use.

My Rx's and spare contact lenses all go in a Clinique bag. Always the same one....

Makeup...only. All lotions, potions, shampoo, etc are in a bag in my suitcase. I have 2 different ones, depening on how long I'm going to be gone. They have clear plastic pouches inside so I can just open it up an see what I'm looking for.

I have a plastic storage bin that I throw all this stuff into when I'm not travelling. Saves time looking for it in the back of the cabinet and if I ran out of something at the end of a trip, I replace it and throw it up into the bin so I'm not having to run out the day before I leave to get it and spend money that I had planned to spend on my trip.

If I take a purse, I pack it into my suitcase....empty. Any hair stuff...product, curling iron, etc...also goes in my suitcase. It's too heavy and bulky to put in my tote. I do have "sample size" hairspray, deoderant, and toothpaste (and a toothbrush) in my tote. TSA will take a regular size tube of toothpaste!

I have started putting my laptop into my carryon rather than carry it my it's case. It eliminates the case, plus it allows my to have a carryon that I put a swimsuit in (if I will need one), a t-shirt to sleep in, clean underoos and a clean top for the next day, in case my luggage doesn't make it. I have had my luggage not show up until the next day....and I can survive with those things...especially with what's in my tote.

I always wear a zip front sweatshirt....comes off easy for security, keeps me warm on the plane and I have it for cool days/nights on my trip.

I am a clothes/shoe freak and have made several "girl" tour trips to Europe and only allowed ONE 28" bag for 12 days!!!! I learned to pack verrrrry well. No carryon luggage. I have also done 2 trips over there where 4 of us (women) schlepped our own bag for 12 days. Fortunately they were in late May, but we each had a 24" bag and a backpack. On the "tour" trips, by the time I was ready to get on the plane home, I had acquired a duffle on the very last day...to bring stuff home.

If you aren't going to have access to a washer/dryer/cleaners.....take a travel size bottle of Febreeze. It is a miracle spray! Takes out wrinkles and odor on slacks, sweaters. Take old underoos that you can toss in the trash after wearing. Gives space for souvenirs and why carry ratty undies back home? Black wrinkle free khakis are your best friend.




Free ....if you are landing in Cincinnati with less than 45 minutes to get to your gate.....plan on missing the plane. Just go to the Delta desk and ask to be put on the next plane to your destination....regardless of airline. Delta will not hold the flight out of Cincy....even though they tell you they will.... unless the weather is horrendous.   

[Chris_]

FANTASTIC POST, debk -- really helpful for people hopping the pond (I have already admitted that my bazillion miles are in the USA/Mexico/Canada).  I really do want to get everyone's input to help others.

Free ....if you are landing in Cincinnati with less than 45 minutes to get to your gate.....plan on missing the plane. Just go to the Delta desk and ask to be put on the next plane to your destination....regardless of airline. Delta will not hold the flight out of Cincy....even though they tell you they will.... unless the weather is horrendous.   

FWIIW -- no carrier holds flights anymore.  They were getting creamed on on-time performance and the FAA was threatening sanctions.

That being said, here is the best you can do:

If you are traveling on any carrier, even for the first time, JOIN THEIR FREQUENT FLIER PROGRAM

For a  tight connection, when you land (wheels down is when you can activate your cell) IMMEDIATELY call the Frequent Flier phone number and tell them you are on the ground and ask them to call the gate from which you are departing and tell the gate agents you are there.  I repeat, they WON'T hold the flight, but they will look for you and wait for the last second to close the doors.

It helps to have status, but they will do it for non-status holder -- I have called on behalf of other fliers and they successfully made their connection using this technique.

Cincy isn't as bad as ORD, but damn close ;)  A bit of a mess and a long way to run if you get nailed by the Gate demons.  I flew with my friend on Delta a few times through it and I wasn't impressed (although I found the "Cheers" kind of neat).

[guest]

Deb, that is my biggest pet peeve regarding Delta (and a particular airport)... I've had 45 minutes between flights, so when one flight landed in Atlanta (from Savannah), I had to RUN from one terminal to another (those who know Hartsfield -Jackson should know what I'm talking about  ).  I nearly had a heart attack (from running from Terminal D to B, as I chose NOT to wait for the train, and getting some bad news at the gate) when I got to my gate, and found out I had to run back towards the OPPOSITE end of the terminal, as they'd moved my connecting flight there.   

While in Savannah, I made sure I was on standby for the next flight (flight from there was delayed slightly), just in case, but I made it onto the originally-scheduled flight, as that one ended up delayed.

[Chris_]

Deb, that is my biggest pet peeve regarding Delta (and a particular airport)... I've had 45 minutes between flights, so when one flight landed in Atlanta (from Savannah), I had to RUN from one terminal to another (those who know Hartsfield -Jackson should know what I'm talking about  :bawl:).  I nearly had a heart attack (from running from Terminal D to B, as I chose NOT to wait for the train, and getting some bad news at the gate) when I got to my gate, and found out I had to run back towards the OPPOSITE end of the terminal, as they'd moved my connecting flight there.   :censored:

While in Savannah, I made sure I was on standby for the next flight (flight from there was delayed slightly), just in case, but I made it onto the originally-scheduled flight, as that one ended up delayed.

Murphy's Law is omnipresent in airports.

But I have to admit that I like flying Delta because of the southron accents when they announce stuff.

[DixieBelle]

Here's my piddly contribution - cross pack amongst your family and/or traveling companions. We always lay our items out in the living room floor prior to hauling out the suitcases. I evenly divide our clothes among all of the suitcases. We learned the hard way when one family member lost a bag on vacation and the rest of us had to loan them clothes.

[Chris_]

Here's my piddly contribution - cross pack amongst your family and/or traveling companions. We always lay our items out in the living room floor prior to hauling out the suitcases. I evenly divide our clothes among all of the suitcases. We learned the hard way when one family member lost a bag on vacation and the rest of us had to loan them clothes.

Not piddly at all.  I am meeting Mrs. FD in the Bahamas next week and I have some of her stuff and she has some of mine.

You just FF'd a bit to my next set of suggestions.

[Carl]

My limited flight experience (last year the first time ever) has all been on United and never had a problem with them or any airport.
Dulles seemed to be the least organized but maybe just my imagination.

Leaving Albany last July the flight was delayed over a mechanical issue which caused me to miss my connection in O`Hare.
Some were calling ahead while we wer still on the ground in Albany and they got there flights changed.
Me being kind of a novice didn`t but when I made it to the help desk in Chigago it was a simple matter of waiting three hours until the next flight to Dallas.

Some it wasn`t as good as they were going to obscure places (Fargo) and there weren`t flights to be had for the rest of the day.
I guess my contribution would be to know the customer service line,which goes along with what Freedumb said so as to make that call as soon as it is obvious you may miss the flight.

[Chris]

Delta's closed the doors on me before, I even outright ran once across the airport to reach the other terminal for my connecting flight.   

I ran from one end of Detroit Metro's mile-long terminal to the other hoping to catch an earlier flight to avoid a 4-1/2 hour layover.  Not only did I not make the earlier flight, I think I injured myself.

[Chris_]

For a  tight connection, when you land (wheels down is when you can activate your cell) IMMEDIATELY call the Frequent Flier phone number and tell them you are on the ground and ask them to call the gate from which you are departing and tell the gate agents you are there.  I repeat, they WON'T hold the flight, but they will look for you and wait for the last second to close the doors.

Delta's closed the doors on me before, I even outright ran once across the airport to reach the other terminal for my connecting flight.   :censored:

Thus the advantage of calling ahead.

[debk]

For a  tight connection, when you land (wheels down is when you can activate your cell) IMMEDIATELY call the Frequent Flier phone number and tell them you are on the ground and ask them to call the gate from which you are departing and tell the gate agents you are there.  I repeat, they WON'T hold the flight, but they will look for you and wait for the last second to close the doors.

Delta's closed the doors on me before, I even outright ran once across the airport to reach the other terminal for my connecting flight.   

Thus the advantage of calling ahead.

I flew up to Cleveland back in July on a Delta flight with a change in Cincy....the flight out of here had an equipment problem. I got inside the concourse with 10 minutes to get from "C" to "A"....the Delta agent told everyone to run, our planes were being held for us.

Of course I had on cute little sandals. I ended up taking them off and doing an OJ Simpson through the airport.

OF COURSE the plane wasn't held!!!!!!

I was not terribly nice to the gate attendant.

However, I was very nice to the Delta help desk guy.... and was put on a Continental flight that was 2 hours sooner than the next Delta flight.

That was the good news.....

The bad news? That plane had an equipment problem....enough so that the flight was completely cancelled and we were then rebooked on different flights.

At this point...I'm on STANDBY on the Delta flight that I didn't want to wait for!!!!

I was very nice...batted the eyelashes a bit....begged.....and got on the overbooked flight to Cleveland. I got the last seat.

I've been a FF on Delta for 20 years....that really does make a difference.

I have found it's usually better to be nice....but I have also found there are times when not being nice, gets attention and gets results. (though the American Eagle person in St Croix last summer threatened to call Security on me.....I told her to go get them!!!!! )

[Chris_]

I have found it's usually better to be nice....but I have also found there are times when not being nice, gets attention and gets results. (though the American Eagle person in St Croix last summer threatened to call Security on me.....I told her to go get them!!!!! )

Generally speaking you are right -- but yes, there are times when you have to be very, very insistent. 

BTW:  If you have to wait over 2 hours as a result of a mechanical or other non-weather related problem the airlines is required to give you a voucher for food -- when they don't, that is when I get very, very insistent -- and loud.

[debk]

I have found it's usually better to be nice....but I have also found there are times when not being nice, gets attention and gets results. (though the American Eagle person in St Croix last summer threatened to call Security on me.....I told her to go get them!!!!! )

Generally speaking you are right -- but yes, there are times when you have to be very, very insistent. 

BTW:  If you have to wait over 2 hours as a result of a mechanical or other non-weather related problem the airlines is required to give you a voucher for food -- when they don't, that is when I get very, very insistent -- and loud.

I did get a voucher for $10 or $15. So did another guy....a business man traveling for work. There were 2 young priests-in-training waiting with us. We both gave ours to them. They weren't going to get where they were going until around midnight....and I figured they needed my voucher more than I did.