but I am PISSED that our flight to Punta Cana is on Continental. Why you ask? Because I won't be earning miles on American. We had the option to book on American but didn't because it was cheaper on Continental.
Normally, I judge people who are obsessed with miles and points. but now I am one of them. and I am losing out on 3000 miles this week. bummer.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
What year is this?
So I am firmly on the ground, this week, but traveling to my fav state, NJ (can I get a fist pump?), staying at my least favorite hotel. The Marriott in Teaneck. Why is this my least favorite hotel you might wonder? I mean, its a Marriott, I am a rewards member, the beds are comfy, the rooms are nice, its not at all sketch like the other hotel near the Unilever office (The Clinton Inn).
The issue: no wireless in the rooms! AND to make matters worse, you have to PAY for wired internet! ummm last I checked, this is 2010. And this is pretty much a business hotel (last I checked there are no hot spots in Teaneck NJ). Seriously for $12.95, I would really prefer to have wireless and be sitting in my comfy bed instead of this uncomfortable desk chair.
But don't worry, I will continue to stay here, 3 nights in June coming up! and I wouldn't be surprised if you see another post about this topic around then :)
The issue: no wireless in the rooms! AND to make matters worse, you have to PAY for wired internet! ummm last I checked, this is 2010. And this is pretty much a business hotel (last I checked there are no hot spots in Teaneck NJ). Seriously for $12.95, I would really prefer to have wireless and be sitting in my comfy bed instead of this uncomfortable desk chair.
But don't worry, I will continue to stay here, 3 nights in June coming up! and I wouldn't be surprised if you see another post about this topic around then :)
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Is this what private jetting is like?
So here I am en flight (obvi this is was saved to my drafts in outlook for circa 2 weeks and forgot to post this when I was able to get an internet connection which was my original intention) to Arkansas. With the exception of bad rain and a shaky takeoff from LGA, this flight is pure bliss.
Why you ask? Because there are exactly 11 people on my flight. There is no one seated next to me, across the aisle from me, in the row in front of me, in the 6 rows behind me. pure privacy. The only thing that could be better would be if this were a private plane. Well that and if I could drink soda (gave it up for Lent) because the flight attendant is clearly bored and has asked me 3 times if I would like a drink.
It’s a safe bet to say AA is totally losing money on this flight!
PS- on my return flight, there were only 10 people on the flight! and I walked right up to the security line (no waiting!) at XNA, apparently Friday mornings are the best (read: least crowded) time to depart. good to know, you know since I need to book my trip for May.
Why you ask? Because there are exactly 11 people on my flight. There is no one seated next to me, across the aisle from me, in the row in front of me, in the 6 rows behind me. pure privacy. The only thing that could be better would be if this were a private plane. Well that and if I could drink soda (gave it up for Lent) because the flight attendant is clearly bored and has asked me 3 times if I would like a drink.
It’s a safe bet to say AA is totally losing money on this flight!
PS- on my return flight, there were only 10 people on the flight! and I walked right up to the security line (no waiting!) at XNA, apparently Friday mornings are the best (read: least crowded) time to depart. good to know, you know since I need to book my trip for May.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Booking Ahead....and then changing plans
So I tried to be proactive and get a good deal on my next trip to Arkansas. I got a great flight deal, saved on my hotel and felt prepared for my trip. In 6 weeks. Well what do you think happens? I get a meeting on my calendar for when I am supposed to be in Arkansas, that happens to be in Massachusetts. Awesome.
This is why I am a true last minute traveler, now I am going to Arkansas in 2 weeks, after paying an annoying change fee. 2 weeks out is more my style.
The most annoying part? The hot pink "Arkansas" currently on my calendar for April 12-15, that even white out is not really doing a great job of covering.
This is why I am a true last minute traveler, now I am going to Arkansas in 2 weeks, after paying an annoying change fee. 2 weeks out is more my style.
The most annoying part? The hot pink "Arkansas" currently on my calendar for April 12-15, that even white out is not really doing a great job of covering.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Booking Flights
So I am in the process of planning my next trip to the fabulous destination of North West Arkansas. For some reason, I am having difficulties coordinating dates with my client. I am trying to book the flight with a decent amount of lead time to get a decent price. At this point, I am looking at the end of March.
Any good tips for securing good deals on airfare?
Any good tips for securing good deals on airfare?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
A full week at home?
Shocking to say I am not traveling anywhere this week! Not even to NJ, which has become my home away from home these past few weeks.
But I find myself sleeping in my own bed all week, in the office 5 days. But of course as luck would have it, Dave is traveling this week! He is off to the fabulous Bahamas for a free vacation that his bff was lucky enough to win through his job and nice enough to ask Dave to come with him! color me jealous.
Its a short trip (Sun-Thurs) so Dave decides he is not going to check a bag. I applaud this effort. But when I handed him the FAA approved Quart sized bag for his liquids, he looked at me like I had lost my mind. He was pretty convinced he could bring a gallon sized bag. I could do nothing but shake my head. He is the person that I HATE getting stuck behind in line going through Security.
He was pretty convinced his plan to carry on was not going to work due to his liquid restrictions. Sympathetic girl friend I am, I pretty much laughed at him and told him that if I could do it, he had better be able to do it (umm hello he has no hair, its not like he has hair product to account for).
I must say I am proud of him for getting through this and quite frankly, if he checked his bag for a 4 day trip where bathing suits are pretty much attire, I would have never let him live it down.
But I find myself sleeping in my own bed all week, in the office 5 days. But of course as luck would have it, Dave is traveling this week! He is off to the fabulous Bahamas for a free vacation that his bff was lucky enough to win through his job and nice enough to ask Dave to come with him! color me jealous.
Its a short trip (Sun-Thurs) so Dave decides he is not going to check a bag. I applaud this effort. But when I handed him the FAA approved Quart sized bag for his liquids, he looked at me like I had lost my mind. He was pretty convinced he could bring a gallon sized bag. I could do nothing but shake my head. He is the person that I HATE getting stuck behind in line going through Security.
He was pretty convinced his plan to carry on was not going to work due to his liquid restrictions. Sympathetic girl friend I am, I pretty much laughed at him and told him that if I could do it, he had better be able to do it (umm hello he has no hair, its not like he has hair product to account for).
I must say I am proud of him for getting through this and quite frankly, if he checked his bag for a 4 day trip where bathing suits are pretty much attire, I would have never let him live it down.
Monday, February 1, 2010
January 25th- The longest travel day of my life!
Well my day started off as I left my house at 5:45 am heading to LGA for my Ark bound flight. Nothing out of the ordinary, I make the trip once a month. Only this time it was different. I was not on the direct American Airlines Flight because that was obscenely expensive. Even though I was traveling on someone else’s dime, I do try to be budget conscious. Well apparently the travel gods were not with me on this day, as I boarded my plane bound for Charlotte, NC where I was to connect onto Ark, the winds and rain was out of control. They went through the whole safety demonstration, which I paid attention too this time since I was on US Air flight headed to Charlotte (The same flight that became the Miracle on the Hudson and I am quite certain Sully was NOT flying my plane), turned off my bberry and cracked open some quality reading (or US Weekly) and settled in. As we headed out to the runway, I noticed a lot of planes lined up and no one seemed to be moving. Awesome.
A good indication that you will be in for a long wait on the tarmac is when they tell you that you can turn your cell phone back on. Cool. At least I can update my Facebook Status and Twitter so everyone can know how I am spending my time. Called my mom, who was sick and wasn’t very chatty. The BF was sleeping. That left some random emails to kill some time. Cut to 1.5 hours later, they finally told us we were next for take off. Of course at this point we had been on the runway in a horrendous rain and wind storm so I was scared for my life.
Take off was the most awful takeoff I have ever experienced. I was pretty sure my seat was not bolted to the floor. The kid sitting next to me was lucky I am a semi-decent flier and did not grab his hand with every bump we hit (there were a lot). The whole first hour of the flight was pretty much like an amusement park ride and I should warn you: I do not like amusement part rides.
We finally landed an hour later than expected in to a beautifully sunny Charlotte Airport. Clearly at this point my connecting flight to Ark was cruising comfortably at 36,000 feet and I was left at the ticket agent’s counter to find out my fate. I got a little preview when the man 2 people ahead of me said he was going to XNA and the agent said he was in for a long wait. Fabulous. I was thinking he was going to say 4pm. (it was currently 11:30am). Nope I was wrong, my flight didn’t depart until 7:50pm. 8 hours later!
On the plus side Charlotte is a pretty nice airport, they have free wi-fi (which goes a long way in my book), lovely white rocking chairs and a Jamba Juice! Could have been worse, I could have been stuck in LGA or XNA.
Sorry for the long post! But it was a long day!
A good indication that you will be in for a long wait on the tarmac is when they tell you that you can turn your cell phone back on. Cool. At least I can update my Facebook Status and Twitter so everyone can know how I am spending my time. Called my mom, who was sick and wasn’t very chatty. The BF was sleeping. That left some random emails to kill some time. Cut to 1.5 hours later, they finally told us we were next for take off. Of course at this point we had been on the runway in a horrendous rain and wind storm so I was scared for my life.
Take off was the most awful takeoff I have ever experienced. I was pretty sure my seat was not bolted to the floor. The kid sitting next to me was lucky I am a semi-decent flier and did not grab his hand with every bump we hit (there were a lot). The whole first hour of the flight was pretty much like an amusement park ride and I should warn you: I do not like amusement part rides.
We finally landed an hour later than expected in to a beautifully sunny Charlotte Airport. Clearly at this point my connecting flight to Ark was cruising comfortably at 36,000 feet and I was left at the ticket agent’s counter to find out my fate. I got a little preview when the man 2 people ahead of me said he was going to XNA and the agent said he was in for a long wait. Fabulous. I was thinking he was going to say 4pm. (it was currently 11:30am). Nope I was wrong, my flight didn’t depart until 7:50pm. 8 hours later!
On the plus side Charlotte is a pretty nice airport, they have free wi-fi (which goes a long way in my book), lovely white rocking chairs and a Jamba Juice! Could have been worse, I could have been stuck in LGA or XNA.
Sorry for the long post! But it was a long day!
January 4th- Starting the year off right!
It was decided that a great way to start the year would be with a team meeting to do some big thinking and get everyone amped up for 2010. And what better (read: inexpensive) place to have a meeting for 25 people? Vegas Baby!! So after a lovely 3 day weekend, I arrived at the office ready to take a limo van to JFK at the ungodly hour of 5:45 am. Obviously I was the last one to arrive. Arriving to JFK, it was a madhouse. Seriously wall to wall people and here we were with a group of 10 people. Not fun. On the plus side, we were flying Jet Blue out of T5 at JFK, which pretty much guarantees you a great experience!
Now we were only going for 3 days (Monday through Wednesday), so I find there is no need to check a pack. I come prepared with my Ziploc baggie of liquids (3oz or less obvi) and my rollerbooard bag that is the max size allowed. One person (who shall remained unnamed, even though he knows who he his! (Shout out!)) failed to bring a bag that met the carryon requirement and needed to check. Tsk Tsk. Checking baggage for a trip under a week is now something I deem unacceptable. I am actually amazed that I am able to travel so frequently without checking a bag. My how I am growing up!
Now we were only going for 3 days (Monday through Wednesday), so I find there is no need to check a pack. I come prepared with my Ziploc baggie of liquids (3oz or less obvi) and my rollerbooard bag that is the max size allowed. One person (who shall remained unnamed, even though he knows who he his! (Shout out!)) failed to bring a bag that met the carryon requirement and needed to check. Tsk Tsk. Checking baggage for a trip under a week is now something I deem unacceptable. I am actually amazed that I am able to travel so frequently without checking a bag. My how I am growing up!
Recap of January 2010
Since I am starting this blog because of the random travel stories I have, I figured I would provide a recap of some 2010 Highlights. These are just a few of the many but worth noting (in my mind!)
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Greetings from Seat 7E....
So lately I have been traveling a lot for work. I mean not a lot compared to my client, my uncle or pilots but a lot more than I ever really have in the past. There have been some random happenings that I find humor in (let’s face it, I find humor in most things in life). I have shared them with some friends but figured I would start a blog for those who wanted to follow along my journeys (ok, mostly because Lindsay and Megsta told me at dinner they wanted to follow me via twitter or blog. Since they don’t twitter, blogging it is!)
I am sitting in the waiting area of Delta 5A (why did they feel the need to only make gate 5 have a sub-gate, this isn’t the case for any other gates….) in LGA (sadly I am required to use this airport frequently, despite my love for T5 at JFK). Apparently gate 5A is the gate for all departures that require you to get bussed to the tarmac to board the plane. Basically every random location you can think of is waiting here. And the best part is the guy at the ticket agent desk is making announcements for all these cities and no one can understand what he is saying. Well no one in my vicinity. With the exception of me. for some reason, I can totally understand everything he is saying. First the call to board the flight to Birmingham (where Birmingham is I am not sure but I did know that was the flight), the flight to Indianapolis, the follow up that the shuttle bus for the Indy flight was delayed and he was not going to have everyone go down and wait in the cold (thoughtful of him!). The 3 ladies sitting around me were AMAZED by my skills, which I pretty much just jumped into their confused conversation without so much as looking up from my computer.
Yes, if one thing I have developed is a skill for understanding muffled announcements over pa’s in the airport. Awesome.
I am sitting in the waiting area of Delta 5A (why did they feel the need to only make gate 5 have a sub-gate, this isn’t the case for any other gates….) in LGA (sadly I am required to use this airport frequently, despite my love for T5 at JFK). Apparently gate 5A is the gate for all departures that require you to get bussed to the tarmac to board the plane. Basically every random location you can think of is waiting here. And the best part is the guy at the ticket agent desk is making announcements for all these cities and no one can understand what he is saying. Well no one in my vicinity. With the exception of me. for some reason, I can totally understand everything he is saying. First the call to board the flight to Birmingham (where Birmingham is I am not sure but I did know that was the flight), the flight to Indianapolis, the follow up that the shuttle bus for the Indy flight was delayed and he was not going to have everyone go down and wait in the cold (thoughtful of him!). The 3 ladies sitting around me were AMAZED by my skills, which I pretty much just jumped into their confused conversation without so much as looking up from my computer.
Yes, if one thing I have developed is a skill for understanding muffled announcements over pa’s in the airport. Awesome.
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