Bumpy Flights

Spokane (GEG) always has a bumpy arrival and departure. Yup, that's the only thing of note from my recent business trip, DEN-PHX-GEG-DEN.  On a more interesting note, I'm planning another trip around the world with US Airways miles. It looks like United, Air China, Lufthansa, Asiana, and Turkish are all possibilities in business class.

Air China, United, Lufthansa

United Listened to Me

Small changes can make a big difference, like having consistent branding on a website.  United listened to my complaint (or had the idea themselves, the result is the same) and updated their Star Alliance airplane image to one of their planes.  Now to take on some larger problems.

United Branded Aircraft

Global Entry Pre Check Win

I finished my Global Entry registration this week and already am seeing the benefits (United paid for it, Platinum and 1K perk; otherwise $100 for 5 years).  Your Global Entry code also makes you eligible for TSA Precheck on all participating airlines, just enter your Global Entry code when booking or at check in. This is great because standard Precheck users are only eligible on a single carrier that sponsors their membership. This is a big win that will make flying US Airways today much more pleasant. 

Got PreCheck

Interesting Fairmont & RIMOWA Promotion

I read a fun email from Fairmont offering two free RIMOWA carry on bags with a stay in a Fairmont Gold room.  The bags retail for $595 and I set to work trying to find a way to make it a deal worth doing.

As a member of Fairmont President's Club, we are pleased to provide you with an exclusive opportunity! Enjoy Fairmont Gold and Suite accommodations at select destinations across North America* and arrive in style with two RIMOWA Salsa Deluxe Cabin Multiwheel® cases. An offer this good doesn't come around often—get ready to pack your (new) bags!

I ran the numbers and the cheapest trip would be about $1200 for two from Denver ($400 air, $700 hotel, $100 car + incidentals). Search airport codes YQB, YYZ, BOS, PHX, YOW, BDA, SFO in ITA Matrix if you want to give it a try.  If I lived in Phoenix, the $700 for a stay-cation (I hate that term and concept) and the carry on bags would be worth while.  Oh well, there will be other promotions and I love my Briggs and Reilly bag.  It was fun to dream for a minute.

Another Deal Will  Come My Way

Bid Miles On Simulator Time

United is auctioning off 2 hours in a flight simulator and bidding is only at 123,000 miles (bidding ends tomorrow). This is a truly unique award because you can't buy this experience with money and shows the real value of frequent flyer programs.  This isn't a discount, but an opportunity that would not be available without miles and makes the unattainable accessible. 

United Airlines A319

UPDATE 7/26 - The auction wound up going for 135,000.  Not bad considering the two free flights to Denver would cost 50,000 miles plus maybe 15,000 miles for the hotel stay.

Easy Way to Check International Travel Requirements

IATA has a great website to check international travel requirements, an outstanding resource to have handy.

Frankfurt is a Great Place to Connect

Pic of the Day

Fun shot taking off from Long Beach after the grand prix. 

CRJ-900 Take Off