Happy Travels

I hit my 2015 United status goal this week. It nice to know I can relax for two months before the race starts again.

United A320's at Denver

Delta Checked Bags Guarantee Miles

I earned more Delta miles from my checked bag arriving late than from flying to JFK and back. My $410 flight, plus tax, yielded 2,050 miles while my bag arriving 25 minutes after parking at the gate earned 2,500 miles. Delayed bag miles don't post automatically, passengers need to submit a request at Delta.com/bagsontime.  Free miles, so take them if you can.

We're committed to providing you with reliable and on-time baggage service every time you fly. That's why we're backing your bags with a guarantee: if your checked bag doesn't arrive at the carousel in 20 minutes or less after any domestic flight, you are eligible to receive 2,500 bonus miles. Just complete the below form no later than three days after your flight's arrival. Requests should only be submitted after your flight.

Bags Are Always Slow at Denver

United Miles Buy Beer

0.7c per mile is not the best value available in frequent flyer programs.  Even with recent devaluations, 6c per mile is possible without too much effort.  To earn that high valuation, one needs 100,000 miles or maybe more.  For those who earn from one or two trips a year, such a large balance is inconceivable. 1,430 miles is achievable, but award tickets usually start at 12,500 for a domestic one way flight.  Rather than save for a few years, infrequent flyers can cash in their miles for a beer at Newark airport. This is a great way for people extract quick value from their flights. Just because it isn't the best value, doesn't mean it's not good value.

At Airport Merchandise Awards

Lufthansa has been doing this for years with their WorldShop in Frankfurt Airport. They have good selection in store and let you order online for in store pickup. They'll also let you pay with a mix of miles and Euros. United isn't close to Lufthansa, but it's a start.

I Love Lufthansa

New United CEO Has Heart Attack

New United CEO Oscar Munoz had a heart attack yesterday and is in a hospital recovering. I wish him well, but the company must be more of a mess than imagined. 

United Airlines Jets at EWR

Picture Post Again

I'm writing a post about pricing, but it's taking a while. I'm going through my marketing textbooks even.  Until then, enjoy a picture.

Landing at LGA

Turned Out Well

Newark is a miserable place, but at least something good came of my layover there.

I Like This Picture

Window Seat Woe

I tried really hard to get a window seat on my flight to Australia.  For almost 14 hours, I had a view of water or darkness.  I still enjoyed it because I was able to scream "Land Ho!" in my mind like a sailor in Captain Cook's fleet.  I also enjoyed the plane spotting on the ground. One of the requirements for window seat fun is a clean window.  The CRJ-700 I flew last week into Charleston had filthy window and took some of the fun out of my flight. I did drink the aircraft out of Miller Lite.  A minor accomplishment on a regional jet, but I am still proud.

Write a Maintenance Ticket for Cleaning