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 the future). 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 schmooze 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.
Future posts: 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.
A final note: I am not paid by anyone, I have no affinities: I will post links to places that will help you, the traveler.
Two last thoughts:
1) My fellow road warriors say I have a ton of ideas that never occurred to them: They see travel as a commute, I see it as an enemy to be hammered into submission
2) I only know my experience on my airlines, airports and routes: YOUR INPUT IS SOLICITED AND WELCOME! If you know something that I missed, please post it.
Thanks
Mr. Flight
