Free Facebook from GOGO

Follow this link to access Facebook for free on GOGO in-flight wireless internet.
http://app.go.gogoinflight.com/e/es.aspx?s=818&e=212247&elq=99b490c4251a41c381043d9c1e1f9c23

Earn Triple Points!

So, Choice Privileges is starting the new year off with a BANG with their triple points offer.  Follow the link here!

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/SpringPromotionElite

US Airways Chairman's Status

Well everyone,  I made Chairman's status with little effort this year, considering that I didn't even travel for the last half of the year.  I used the same tips and tricks that I made available to my readers, and essentially put my mileage on autopilot.  Look for many new tips and tricks to come this year as I begin traveling again.  You'll get news, deals and of course, mileage earning information for the year 2011!  

My apologies for the recent lack of posts.

Due to a career change, I have not been traveling at all.  This will change soon I am sure, so look forward to new posts in the near future.
Thank you for your support!
James

Travelers Tech Spotlight:

In Review: 
GOGO In Flight Wireless Internet  http://www.gogoinflight.com/gogo/splash.do

I'll start by saying that its fast, and convenient.  My company pays for my internet connection, so the price is not relevant to me, however it may be to YOU.  Gogo charges per flight length if you purchase on the plane.  Also, I noticed while I was logging in that there were multiple prices that would pop up with each window, for example, first it was $9.99 for a flight from PHL to DEN.  By the time i navigated to my login page, the price had changed to $12.99 for the same flight, so be careful with your purchase.  It may be a bit misleading.  Also, remember that from PHL to DEN is just over 3.5 hours, so that is $2.85/$3.71 per hour!  Remember your hourly income and determine if it is worth it to get some extra work done or just to surf the net.

Another perk is that they have internet for mobile devices too, and I was very happy to stream Netflix on my Ipad at my company's expense!  By the way, this post was made on the airplane, which means it really works.  Overall, I'd say it is worth it for the longer trips.  Happy surfing!

Questions?  Fire at will!

TSA On Luggage Etiquette And Body Scanners

With today's post I would like to share my thoughts about TSA and their efforts to keep the air safe.  My first topic I will title Luggage Etiquette, and I will hash out certain subjects as; How to pack? and How can I save time.  I will follow this segment up with things to look out for when dealing with luggage searches.  In my second segment, I will be speaking briefly on the newfangled body scanners and how to plan ahead to beat the line times.
     Luggage Etiquette:
Luggage starts at the ticket counter.  If you do not check luggage, skip this segment and move to the next.  For those of you that do, you'll want to keep reading to ensure a seamless flight from ticket counter to your seat(in first class, if you've read my previous posts.)
Checked luggage can be tricky, so allow me to offer as much knowledge as I can on the subject:
     Most airlines now charge per bag, unless you are an elite member with their rewards program, so the first step in saving money is to pack light.  Multiple bags can cost you up to $100 on some airlines.  If packing light is not an option for you, read on.
     If you need to check multiple bags for your trip, remember to keep each one below the 50lb threshold.  Going over 50lb will cost you 50-100 bucks, and 70lb and up bags will net you 100-200 bucks.  Again my solution is to pack light.  If this is still not an option for you, find a good rewards credit card and pay the balance each month!
     Now, these bags that you are checking need to be unlocked and able to be inspected without too much effort, unless you want TSA rifling through your unmentionables and damaging your goods.  Also, it may behoove you to leave a nice note informing them to put your things back the way they found them.  Many times, I would find my toolbox left with all the bags open and tools spilled everywhere within its confines.  One day I left a POLITE note inside asking TSA to please be sure to zip up all my bags and to put things back the way they found them.  Believe it or not, this little trick does work!
     Also, the ticket agent will ask you for your boarding pass and ID card.  After providing them with this, keep BOTH of them handy, you'll be needing them for the next checkpoint.  Remember, the goal is efficiency.

The next position you get to will likely be the passenger screening station.  There are many ways to be more efficient here, so try a few and see how you like them.
     A great way to save time here is to pre-pack you liquids in a clear 1qt ziplock bag.  I see too many people at the screening line trying to jam their lotions and creams into bags and throwing things away and so on.  This is very inconsiderate to all of those in line behind you and I recommend just planning ahead.
     Next is to get out that laptop and put it in a bin all by itself.  This is the rule and the officer will enforce it anyways, so why not get it right the first time?  Also, a quick tip I have learned is to laminate a business card on the front of my laptop with my name and contact information in the event that my laptop is left behind.  This will eventually happen to you if you travel as much as I do, so the best way to save time and avoid it is to simply do what I do!
     Off with the shoes and belt.  This is pretty simple, but i see a lot of people coming back through metal detectors because they left their shoes or belt on.  Not only is it wasting your time, but its wasting the time of everyone behind you.  Be smart and you will be rewarded.  

  
     TSA Body Scanners and what to do:    
With the new body scanners, you will need to take EVERYTHING out of your pockets.  Yes, this means EVERYTHING.  The best idea is to listen to the recordings and TSA officers while you are waiting in line so you understand all that needs to be done in advance!
     The body scan takes 7-10 seconds per person, and potentially requires a second scan.  When compared to the 3.5 second time it takes to walk through the metal detectors, wait times just got about 60% longer.  Be smart by being prepared for this and show up to the airport a little bit earlier.

     Utilize some of my time saving tips above and educate yourself further to understand the rules and regulations and you'll be cruising through all the lines from check in to the gate.  Safe travels!

Questions, Comments?

Hotel Review: Atlantic City Borgata

Let me first start by saying that I was seriously considering another place to stay when I saw the $149.00/night price tag.  I needed two rooms in a casino in Atlantic City since my parents were up for a visit over the weekend.  I love to play at the Borgata, and I do have Red Label rewards card, but this is easily trumped by the Black Label holders, so I was looking at two basic rooms at a buck fifty each per night.  Well, needless to say, I did reserve the rooms but something that I didn't expect happened.  When I arrived at the counter, I was fumbling for my Red Label card, and out popped my Priority Club Platinum card and My US Airways Chairman card.  The person at the counter saw these and immediately upgraded our rooms to King Suites with an outstanding view of the city on the 21st floor.  I have been upgraded to suites many times before, but I could have never expected what I saw when I opened the door to my suite.  This place was trimmed with mahogany and marble from floor to ceiling, fit with a jacuzzi, 52" Samsung TV just like the one that sits in my living room, and the view... just breathtaking.  Especially at night when the lights came on. 
Moral of the story?  Let people know that you have status EVEN if it is not with them!  Every good business wants more business, and whether or not that entails giving out free upgrades and spa packages, you may find yourself on the receiving end of a hotel or airline that you are not even a member with.  Best of luck finding your upgrades!

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